Produced and recorded by Saving Vice's Robbie Litchfield at Hell Here Studios and mixed and mastered over at Pasquarella Recordings by Randy Pasquarella, In Shallows makes a moving and imposing first impression with debut EP, 'Beneath The Surface.'
While there are many bands in the metalcore genre that can make a great EP or record instrumentally, there are some that can also generate a raw and profound connection emotionally with their listeners within that space. When the four-piece metalcore act In Shallows set out to release their debut EP Beneath The Surface, they wanted to convey something tangible. Something relatable to those feeling lost in life and dealing with the loss of someone close to you.
“Starting with a heavy-hitter first track, "Buried By Mistake," In Shallows provides a thoughtful, imposing first look at the band's sound. With a beautifully transcendent intro that takes us into crashing guitar riffs, quick hefty percussive energy, and layered fervid vocal textures, In Shallows builds up the momentum for what's to come for the rest of the EP.”
Beneath The Surface impressively accomplishes this and more within the few songs given atmospherically and lyrically. But this EP only begins to scratch the surface of what this band can do, should the band want to release an album sometime soon. Produced and recorded by Saving Vice's Robbie Litchfield and mixed and mastered by Randy Pasquarella at Pasquarella Recordings, In Shallows is working from the gate to provide something that will catch your attention right from the start.
Starting with a heavy-hitter first track, "Buried By Mistake," In Shallows provides a thoughtful, imposing first look at the band's sound. With a beautifully transcendent intro that takes us into crashing guitar riffs, quick hefty percussive energy, and layered fervid vocal textures, In Shallows builds up the momentum for what's to come for the rest of the EP.
Another standout track on the EP is "Life On Lease." A massive percussive track backed by lovely introspective lyricism and towering vocals, this will be a song listeners will come back to again. The EP ends confidently with the closing number, "At Your Mercy." Instrumentally cementing In Shallows sound and lyrical intent all into one track, "At Your Mercy" brings Beneath The Surface to a close.
In Shallows does a fantastic job of keeping things consistent and energy-driven. While the EP feels a bit on the short side, In Shallows does a great job of opening the instrumental window to their sound and keeping the listener engaged and feeling connected. Beneath The Surface is an EP that focuses on many buried issues we keep close to the chest, and In Shallows does a great job at conveying this track for track.