Eccentric, Eclectic and Ethnic... All three terms could easily be used to try and sum up what The Apex Theory are capable of and yet ultimately, they would all fail as the band truly offer far too much to be neatly filed away or categorized. Sounding like an amalgamation of System Of A Down; The Police; The Red Hot Chili Peppers; Incubus; Jane's Addiction and finger eleven, the band combine quirky and culturally diverse rhythms into poignantly animated song structures that practically burst before the listeners ears with exuberance and skillfully varied musicianship, not too mention create a soundscape that vibrantly brims with creativity and diverse textures in the process. Experimenting with everything from ska, prog rock, jazz, funk, metal, punk and more, while somehow finding an even meeting ground between it all, this Los Angeles, CA based quartet are undoubtedly one of the most challenging and forward thinking acts to hit the heavy music scene in recent times.

With a stern, yet dynamic vocal style that can bring to mind System Of A Down's Serj Tankian and Anthony Kiedis of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, band frontman Andy Khachaturian enthusiastically flows from verse to verse with a very unorthodox and curious lyrical style, erupting into intimidating rants and breezing through empowered croons, while also occasionally wading through some introspective commentary. Guitar wise, the outing features a wide array of expansive riffs that are quite melodic and atmospheric, toying with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern progressions and melding them with various other different genres, only to compact them into a shimmering wall of pruned noise that is vehemently aggressive and hypnotically calming all in one shot. The bass playing captured here is invigorating and possesses a distinct jazz influence as off timed hits and grooves bounce and plod throughout the background, injecting a sense of refined buoyancy to each track. This aspect of the bands sound is rightfully solidified by the riotously energetic drumming performance included, which utilizes an equally free form palette of ideas and technical proficient playing style to accelerate each track forth to its eventual culmination.

Essentially, this EP is a precursor to the groups forthcoming full-length debut "Random Bursts", and as such, it contains a few new tracks along with some cuts culled from the groups previous independent outing, "Extendemo". But regardless of this, it is none the less a welcome introduction for the band to the harder music scene as its ethnic overtones and open minded approach at instrumentation and unconventional song writing are truly capable of astounding after only a single listen. The music is adventurous and encompasses a broad range of styles and ideas, something which most contemporary harder music lacks these days. Sure, it may be a tad too extravagant or out there for some of the more conservative minded listeners, but for those seeking an escape from the doldrums of drop tuned cookie cutter new metal and shoe gazing emocore, this EP is as necessary as sunlight and water. In fact, perhaps the only real complaint against it that could be justified, is that due to its nature, it sounds more like an assortment of randomly picked songs thrown together rather than a culminated effort, and as such, it doesn't feel as though it fully conveys what the group are trying to accomplish. Despite this, it does instill hope for the future of where heavy music may be headed and hopefully, if more artists as talented and as unique as The Apex Theory can manage to get their dues and break into the big leagues in the future, the rising wave of copycat corporate modern metal just might be quelled once and for all.