Named after the term they use to describe their close relationship with their fans, Sheffield metalcore quintet
While She Sleeps' full-length debut album,
This Is the Six, is steeped in a similar gang mentality. Attempting to replicate frontman
Lawrence "Loz" Taylor's larynx-shredding vocals isn't particularly advisable, but the majority of the 12 tracks here are designed to be shouted along with from the rooftops, hence the terrace chants on the feedback-drenched "Love At War," the
Gallows-esque, groove-laden "Satisfied In Suffering," and the squalling post-hardcore of "False Freedom." Backed by
Carl Bown's gutsy, dynamic production, the constant stream of Guitar Hero solos, and propulsive rhythms on the likes of the aptly titled, doom-laden "Until the Death," the ferocious Scandinavian-tinged "Be(lie)ve" (the only track to make the cut from 2010 mini-album
The North Stands for Nothing), and the breakneck-speed opener of "Dead Behind the Eyes" (featuring
Comeback Kid's
Andrew Neufeld) will no doubt appeal to the army of fans who helped them to scoop Best British Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards. But
This Is the Six is arguably far more intriguing when it abandons its default mode of anarchy and pursues a more harmonious approach, as on the surprisingly delicate instrumental "The Chapel" and the elegant piano hooks of the choral closer "Reunite."
While She Sleeps may still find themselves overshadowed by their Steel City neighbors
Bring Me the Horizon, but there's enough potential here to suggest they might not be second-best for too much longer. ~ Jon O'Brien