CD Title: Harmonious Discord
Year: 2008
Website: myspace.com/eandnband
MySpace: myspace.com/eandnband
Label: None
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks Exclusive
Rating: 8.8 / 10
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I've been meaning to review this EP for a while, but I keep putting it off - not because it's bad, far from it, but because I know these guys and I really didn't want to it to seem like I was sucking up or being unfairly harsh. So, I'm just gonna go for it now... and be nice 'n' honest...
I first witnessed the live spectacle of Everything And Nothing in Croydon - my local drinking hole ("hole" being the operative word there!) and there was just something so refreshing about them. If I was Simon Cowell I may have said they had an "X Factor", but I'm not... so I won't. Anyway, I've been following the band for around a year (maybe two? It's funny how time flies!) and I've been waiting for this EP for quite some time. Fair enough, it hasn't been the same 15 years that I waited for "Chinese Democracy"... but I suppose that I did have their demo to keep me going in the meantime... but that's not the point.... there was a certain amount of waiting involved...
Anyway, enough rambling. Time for the review... and I'm also going to do one of those lovely track by track things I like so much.
First of all though, I want write about the overall sound of the band. Everything and Nothing are a prime example of what can be created when Alternative Rock is combined with a little Classic Rock (well, I get that vibe anyway), Pop and, dare I say it, Emo. Yes, 'emo'. It's a word, get over it. I'd imagine that they'd go down a treat with fans of bands like 30 Seconds to Mars. While this music may not immediately seem like my usual cuppa - there is a distinct lack of corpsepaint and long hair here, and usually I prefer my music a little heavier - it does have a certain appeal. As you'll probably gather...
"Statistics and Answers" provides a strong start to the EP. This track really showcases E&N at their best and I find I enjoy it more and more with every listen (and, I can assure you, that this track does go down pretty well at the band's shows... I have been known to have the odd headbang along to it). The sound is clear and crisp and allows you to hear every instrument. I especially want to draw your attention to the guitar - I love John's solo in this track. This is definitely my favourite here.
It took me a while to get into "Sins", but the vocal hook soon lodged itself into my brain ("Try not to lose your mind...."). "Sins" has a somewhat darker atmosphere than the previous track and, while a majority of the track is at a slow tempo, it's strangely addictive. I find myself getting all excited when I know the chorus is coming up. ...and the bit at around 2mins 30secs in really makes Lou a happy bunny. Screamy bits followed by a guitar solo tend to have that effect.
"Betrayal" is, to me, perhaps the weakest track on the EP. It doesn't seem to gel with me as much as the other two. It just doesn't seem to progress as well as the other two songs do (don't hate me guys!).
Overall, this is a well produced EP. If you're up for some superb songwriting, then "Harmonious Dischord" is definitely for you. Head over to E&N's MySpace now...