Eyes Set to Kill Broken Frames
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Broken Frames is the third release from the screamo/metalcore band Eyes Set To Kill. After some recent personnel changes, Warped Tour favorites ESTK has put out what is undoubtedly their heaviest and best album to date. Think “Paramore meets Bullet For My Valentine” and you’ll have a good understanding of the Phoenix, Ariz.-based quintet’s musical style.
Founded back in 2004 by sisters Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez, Eyes Set To Kill hit the big time in 2008 with their debut album Reach. Musically a mix of screamo, metalcore and straight up rock, Eyes Set To Kill is blazing a unique path and developing a large and loyal following. The music on Broken Frames is powerful and energetic, with a nice balance between Cisko Miranda’s screamo vocals and the melodic and clear singing of Alexia Rodriguez. Broken Frames is an evolutionary step for the band, as they are taking full advantage of new screamer Miranda and Alexia’s increasing vocal range – although the listener can tell she is at the very edge of her range at times. Greg Kerwin’s guitars are very solid – he can deliver aggressive and punchy hooks and riffs and is equally adept at dishing out the slower and moodier stuff. Bassist Anissa Rodriguez and drummer Caleb Clifton work well together and can handle any and all musical twists and turns of ESTK’s unique blend of styles.
“All You Ever Knew” opens the CD as a song of contrasts. It features choppy and aggressive, almost punk rock guitars along with full on screaming male vocals during the verses and bridges but switches to a sweeping and melodic groove with clean vocals for the chorus – very typical of ESTK’s style. The fact that the musical tone switches along with the vocals is one of the many unique features of the band’s music. “Broken Windows” features more clean vocals by both singers and a more traditional metalcore sound. “The Listening” has a much softer tone at the beginning, and becomes a much lower key track with great vocals, while “Ticking Bombs“ starts out almost as a ballad but becomes a solid rock song with fine musical performances by the entire band. “Play The Part” opens with an intense bubbling bass line and is a solid metalcore anthem with touches of Paramore-esque angst.
“Falling Fast” is a fine modern rock track with great lyrics and solid vocals – and a very intense drum line proving that Caleb Clifton is one of the better up and coming drummers. “Catch Your Breath” is a very elegant and simple piano interlude that leads into the sad and melodic “Ryan.” “Inside The Eye” kicks the intensity back up with some wild guitar riffs and full on screamo vocals, a hooky clean chorus and numerous tempo changes. The serious and heartfelt “Two Letter Sins” opens with some simple guitars and soft vocals and becomes a decent heavy rock track, while choppy and crunchy guitars abound in “Escape.” The bonus track “Let Me In” closes out the CD with mellow vocals, soft keyboard riffs and light percussion. This final track really highlights the quality of Alexia’s voice.
Overall, Broken Frames is a very good album for any metalcore fan, indeed for almost any metal or hard rock fan. ESTK’s music is easily accessible to the average listener and well written, well recorded, well structured and well performed. Every track on this CD is performed with tons of enthusiasm and intensity – more than enough to overcome any weaknesses. There are very few negatives here – perhaps only people who have zero tolerance for screaming vocals will not approve. Very highly recommended!
Genre: Metalcore
Band:
Alexia Rodriguez (vocals, guitars, keyboards)
Cisko Miranda (vocals, keyboards)
Caleb Clifton (drums)
Anissa Rodriguez (bass)
Greg Kerwin (guitars)
Track Listing:
1. All You Ever Knew
2. Broken Frames
3. The Listening
4. Ticking Bombs
5. Play The Part
6. Falling Fast
7. Catch Your Breath
8. Ryan
9. Inside The Eye
10. Two Letter Sins
11. Escape
12. Let Me In (Bonus Track)
Label: Breaksilence Recordings
Website: http://www.myspace.com/eyessettokill
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10