Heights  - The Land, The Ocean, The Distance

Treading a tightrope between the ambient and dissonant, the feral and fragile, British newcomers Heights have evidently put much time and thought into the three tracks that make up their Debut release, ‘The Land, The Ocean, The Distance.’ Akin to a hybrid of much-missed soundscape-sculptors Bossk and Brighton wrecking crew Architects, complimented with melodies and atmospheric touches reminiscent of Underoath at their most contemplative, ‘Empires,’ ‘Paint the Sky’ and ‘Worlds Apart’ illustrate scenes every bit as epic as their titles might suggest; jagged metallic riffs and mournful guitar duelling for position upon a tide of tumultuous rhythm.

Considering the fact that they were only formed this year it’s heartening to note the strides that the band have made towards developing a sound of their own, with select moments over this EP’s modest running time genuinely moving and memorable... one could well be fooled into regarding them as a far more established band than they currently are. Those suffering from EME (excessive metalcore exposure, predicted to hit the WHO list of most common ailments come 2011) may roll their eyes at the breakdowns and use of barked vocals, but said ingredients can still enhance a track in our over-saturated community provided that they are not relied upon exclusively or too frequently, a pitfall that this Hertfordshire five-piece have sidestepped for now.

In the context of their as yet limited tenure Heights have created something very impressive, and though as you’d expect there’s room for improvement in areas, it would be useless and petty to dwell on these at such an early stage. Soon to hit a packed, sweat drenched basement near you, these guys might just have the beginnings of something special... reason enough to take up their offer of a free EP download from their site doncha think?