EP Review: Lifeblood ‘Send Me Far Away’

Local Brissy lads Lifeblood have unleashed their debut EP ‘Send Me Far Away’ upon the scene, and anyone tuning in is in for a grimy, chaotic ride. We’ve given their five latest noisy tracks a spin, and we’ve got the lowdown right here!

Opening track Return to Sender kicks the party off with some thick guitar chugs and screeching vocals. A certified headbanger and a suitable opener, the vocal refrain “Take it back!” gives way to a back-and-forth guitar attack and a soaring bridge section.

The slick, grimy riff that anchors lead single and second track Despondent draws on some heavy Every Time I Die and Norma Jean vibes. Full of dissonance and powerful chugs with a nu-metal inspired breakdown, Despondent is a great single from the boys and sums up the band’s vibe in a tidy package.

Nonsense is a no-nonsense slam fest with an extended outro breakdown that kicks the listener in the teeth, takes their lunch money, and leaves without a second glance.

Kicking off with a crushing, atonal breakdown, I Want To Believe comes in as track three and continues the thrashing party. Solid drum beats and dirty power chord sections lift this song to grimy heights sure to please any chaotic hardcore fan.

Nonsense is a no-nonsense slam fest with an extended outro breakdown that kicks the listener in the teeth, takes their lunch money, and leaves without a second glance. EP closer Farewell opens with a frantic riff, a cut above the others heard on ‘Send Me Far Away’, and pairs the sonic storm with some classy bass work. The song ends with a suitably dissonant and chaotic tennis match between the guitars and a final shrieking vocal blast.

While ‘Send Me Far Away’ delivers some fine musicianship and crafty song-writing, the lacklustre production of the EP lets it down. Sourced locally, the boys’ impressive effort is undercut by some sub-par tones and a general lack of polish. It may be nitpicky for a band’s first release, but a few extra dollars thrown at a solid master would have done the EP some favours.

Check out the music video for single Despondent below!