20 Dead Flower Children's latest EP infects the listeners speakers with a frenzied aggression, charged with a steroid like injection of industrial elements. Visceral and raw the group slaughters through the three tracks included here with radical idealism and vehement riffs that lash out with frantic distortion and growling bass. Direct comparisons don't really apply here, but the group's music could possibly be best described as a refined strain of nu metal that's infused with a unique electronic sounding environment and reinforced with callused rage. Vocally the group tears the listeners ears right off with malevolent words that drip with suppressed anger and torment, yet have enough of a modern pseudo political standpoint for the audience of today's heavy music to be able relate to. There's a few melodic moments introduced now and then, usually backing up the screams and assembling a solid dynamic force, there's also some hushed build ups that strive to produce momentum, but the bulk of verbal contributions here definitely comes in the form hostile screams and throaty yells, and their forcible manner pollutes the band sound like a deadly poison. Guitars riffs are methodical with effect coated harmonics and raspy distortion that juts out riffs with precision and skill. Although not overly downtuned, the conservative tone seems to leave more room for the programmed components included in the bands sound, giving more room for layers and dimensions. Bass rumbles out swift riffs and winding basslines that feature an almost snarling demeanor. although there are a few effects utilized, nothing all that experimental is offered here, but the unfaltering rhythms and grooves laid down are quite catchy and are very consistent with a constant plodding nature, and fill the shoes of the lowend snugly. Drums are tight and have a warm medium tuning that takes advantage of the hectic highend with offbeat snare work and solid hits. Stable kick drum patterns also resonate quite often in the background, shading the breakdowns with a stripped down quality that also gives the percussion a more fluctuating structure as a whole. There's also some electronic elements included that aren't smothering by any means as most bands tend to go overboard with them, in fact they are actually a bit thin, but their inclusion does add depth and gives the band an extra edge even with their inherent lack of complexity involved in their arrangements. As a finished product this EP isn't quite all it could be, but that's only due to the semi rushed feel and somewhat lacking production. The band definitely has enough ferocity and originality in the mix to establish themselves as a contender and have already established a loyal underground following throughout their short career, and if this release is any indication on where the band is headed then the future is blindingly bright. 20 Dead Flower Children have evolved their sound and yet at the same time stripped it down to the bare necessities, but this depraved aesthetic only seems to give the band that much more determination and fuel to make the music even more hard hitting, giving this group a sound and style that comes off like an aural grenade.
(4 / 5)