Band: Forever And A Day
Album: Last Orders
Release year: 2011
Genre: Pop-Punk/Metalcore
Bridlington-based pop-core quintet Forever And A Day have slowly become a household name within the UK’s underground metalcore and pop-punk scenes over the past few years. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Yashin, Shadows Chasing Ghosts and Vanna, as well as releasing a demo and a music video over the summer of 2010, the band recently returned to the studio for the recording and production of their newest release: “Last Orders”.
The title track “Last Orders” is the first track of the album, been composed of the sound of people drinking, chatting and the sound of a piano been played in the background whilst a bar fight takes place. “The Roads Ahead” begins with an average paced riff, which is soon accompanied by a second guitar, bass and drums. The track turns heavier, featuring some intelligent drum work and clean, pop-punk styled vocals. The song remains consistent and flows well into each different section. The screams bring about a great metalcore sound as well. The gang vocals are a great addition as well.
Following after is the aggressive and violent sound of “Heebeegeebees”. Straight away, the listener is bombarbed by an in your face metalcore anthem. The guitar riffs are masterfully composed and the drum work can only be described as immense. The breakdown is a great section, building up to the next section. The only down sound to this song is that it’s too short. “Can’t Spell Slut Without You” starts with a bass riff, leaving the listener to think “Something good is gonna happen soon”. Fortunately, something good does happen and that something is the increase of barbaric heaviness of the track. The screams are great and the guitar sections are sheer genius. The drums are certainly most impressive and the clean vocals seem stronger.
”We See Everything, So Play Nice” is the second to last track. The intro riff seems weaker compared to the previous tracks though this soon changed when the drums blast in to make themselves heard. The track has some clear pop-punk influences in terms of guitars and vocals, which blend well with the more metalcore and hardcore orientated drums. The last track is “You’re A Complicated Cat, Edward”, beginning with a very guitar-heavy intro. The track seems to lack the energy of the previous tracks though the vocals are still going strong. In parts, the drums sound more stronger than the guitars. However, the track does improve fortunately enough. The slow-paced, clean guitar section is certainly unexpected, yet weirdly is enjoyable but for those who don’t enjoy clean and soft guitar sections, the brutal-styled heaviness of the track soon returns.
Forever And A Day clearly know how to mix pop-punk and metalcore without ruining the sound. “Last Orders” is a must-have album by these young Yorkshire lads and Welsh drummer. The entire mini-album is evidence of the talent and passion that Forever And A Day have.
4.5/5
Nico Davidson
Forever and a Day will be touring the UK later in the year. For more information about this tour, please go to: http://www.facebook.com/foreverandadayuk
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