Cut from the same cloth as bands such as Thursday, Embodyment, Finch and even latter day Poison The Well, the debut record from Ohio's Dead Poetic shouldn't fail to hit its target demographic. Thickly layered melancholy with equal parts melody and hardcore, 'Four Wall Blackmail' has a indie rock feel that rings true in an era where styles of music are culled and merged together so thoughtlessly.

The very fact that it is produced by Barry Poynter gives you confidence in the albums sound and indeed 'Four Wall Blackmail' only compounds why he is in such demand and consistently prolific in his output. Album opener 'Burgundy' has a smooth sounding quality thanks to Brandon Rikes lush harmonic vocals which never fail to impress in a song which floats throughout its duration. Other than the acoustic gem of 'Bliss Tearing Eyes' things are decidedly edgier from this point on and whilst the ever-present shriek serpent like vocals do make an appearance on this record they take on a very much back seat role which is thankful given that Brandon is so competent vocally.

Musically things are pretty basic, again, allowing the vocals to take precedence and carry the songs as the instruments go about their job in an obligatory house band fashion. Not to say its poor but rather uninspiring for a metalcore genre that has long since come of age. We see hints of creativity in the dulcet tones of 'Stereochild' but for the most part its not carried out to fruition. Regardless, for a band so young this could be the beginnings of something that will bear greater relevance in due time. Definitely one for the future.