Reach's latest demo showcases their ongoing efforts of finding a middle ground between post New York hardcore, emo and new metal and when considering this disc comes highlighted by guest appearances from infamous Helmet frontman Page Hamilton and former Quicksand guitarist Tom Capone, the attention of many is sure to be hooked. It is not unthinkable that both of the aforementioned bands were ones which Reach drew heavy influence from either as their sound features distinct touches of each. Yet Reach is not your run of the mill band, because anything average would be hard pressed to gain the stamp of approval from members of such luminary acts of the NY scene. With a diverse blend of emotional songs that can seethe with anger just as easily as they can slowly drip down like warm rain in the sunshine, Reach's sound has evolved to the next level and each aspect of it is more intoxicating than ever before.

Rene's vocals have an aggressive quality to them, almost like a hunger to regain something long lost from him and through each gritty and melodic croon, he comes one step closer to attaining it. Slightly reminiscent of Stabbing Westward frontman Christopher Hall, he has the intensity of Page Hamilton to belt out the backing vocals on the abrasive cruncher "6 Years" and follows it up with the slow tempo hums of "In Your Arms", a track which shows he has a good grasp of his voice, even if he does primarily stick to a timid, medium vocal range. Guitar work is more akin to the new metal vein of playing and chugs along with gritty riffs and drawn out chords that fortify the vehement nature of the verses before bursting into expansive chorus driven grooves. Basslines double up with the guitar, ensuring thick stringed sounds and percussion is fierce and almost electronic sounding at times, drawing similarities to the drum work of Primer 55, something that is no doubt the result of both acts using the same producer.

Though it may at first seem that the band is trying to cash in with guest appearances, oddly enough the songs still retain a very distinct "Reach" sound. The music is energetic, gritty and cutting edge yet also emotional, peppered with traces of post hardcore and alternative metal that is shaped and molded into easily digestible song structures. Sure there could be a bit more dynamic contrast or perhaps even some more ideas thrown in the pot, but as it stands the demo is catchy, powerful and entertaining, suggesting that these boys won't have to stretch very far to have a record contract within their reach.