Following hot on the heels of the highly acclaimed album 'Off Kilter Enhancement', Hi Point appears to be a stop gap between albums offering two new songs, a reworked version of Vitriolic HSF, which first appeared on their debut album, and a cover of Shihad's 'You Again'. To those with virgin ears, Earthtone 9 are not the most easily describable band... but here goes... coming across with the rage of Sepultura, yet the subtly of Tool, Earthtone 9 have the versatility that many a band would kill for. The music is melodic, spiritual post hardcore with elements of thrash. A sign that Earthtone 9 are not your conventional band is hinted at in the song titles. Try shouting out 'Vitriolic HSF2000' as a way of requesting it at a show and you may come unstuck. First song 'Tat Twam Asi', is a newie and carries on with the tradition of silly names, and no it does not mean wipe my ass in Japanese! Joking aside, this really is a great song as it gently caresses you only to surge into a blistering chorus of which you'd be forgiven for thinking that a jumbo jet just flew overhead. It's that powerful! But Earthtone 9 are no one trick pony, it's always been the diversity that has drawn me to this band as moments later you are faced with an uplifting vocal line of epic proportions. This is the kind of music that backdrops a revolution. Their song writing ability never ceases to amaze me, 'Tat Twam Asi' adds to an already great catalogue of songs.

Second song 'Alpha Hi' is a more laid back affair (all things relative) with harmonic vocals dominating the song. Much like a slow burning candle it gets more chaotic towards the end as Karl injects passionate yet intense vocals.

I'd never heard Shihad before so the fact that Earthtone 9 chose to cover a song by a band people may not have been exposed to deserves to be applauded. It's a brave move but the song itself never really grabbed me. It's sludgy riffs serve as a backdrop to Karl's distinctive shouts but give me Earthtone 9 playing an Earthtone 9 song over this any day.

Vitriolic HSF2000 proved to be one of the highlights of their debut album. Re recorded for this E.P it's not remarkably better than its predecessor, although as you'd expect, the production is improved and its good to hear it in all its glory. The chemistry is just right as the bendy guitar sound leads the way into a blistering attack whilst singer Karl effortlessly switches between harmonic vocals and stab like shouts.

This is a band that like to lull you into a false sense of security...just when you think you've figured them out they turn things around on you and its this unpredictability that will have fans gagging for more. Shihad cover aside, this E.P is a fine demonstration of a talented band worthy of much praise. What's disappointing is the fact that the two new songs on this e.p will also feature on the upcoming album, so strictly speaking this CD is not a necessity, but, perhaps for those wishing to get a taster, there may be no better time for new fans to dip their toes into Earthtone 9's music.
(3 / 5)