Review - Give Way, Tulsa OK
Preface: This is my first review! I am excited to share my thoughts about the up and coming Tulsa hardcore band, Give Way. It is refreshing to know that my home state is still producing great bands. Please feel free to offer feedback about this review. I have a lot to learn when it comes to perfect grammar, etiquette, etc. I would like to learn as much as I can so that I am constantly improving.
Now, let’s get the show on the road!
1. Technicality
A lot of times when you hear a band’s first release, there are numerous flaws. The recording quality is usually lacking, the riffs aren’t played well, and there is a general sense of feeling rushed. With Give Way’s single “Slipping,” it sounds like they actually put forth the effort to offer a decent sounding demo. As previously stated in my introduction, when it comes to bands’ first demos I will be a bit more forgiving with all things considered, but no grace is needed for this segment because I am very impressed with the sound they were able to produce. The riffs are solid, and the vocals are great. The only criticism I have is the drums are a bit lacking. They lacked originality and there were parts that were played not so well; however, that does not deter from the fact that they were able to create a song, as their first release, that doesn’t draw attention away from the content due to poor quality.
2. Recording Quality:
For a demo, this single sounds really good. The mixes are very well executed. I like to be able to understand the lyrics, and with this single they are crystal clear. There are bigger name bands that put out high quality records, and the vocals are indistinguishable. I appreciate the fact that the message of the song isn’t drowned out by poor recording quality. The tones they use are great. I like the naked bass sound they used. It’s very reminiscent of the old school hardcore sound.
3. Content
This is where things get a little dicey for me. I really enjoy the single. There is an energy they were able to put forth that really resonates with me, but it’s not from the riffs. I think the intro riff is great, and the transition they use to the second riff sounds awesome. It gets your blood pumping; however, the second riff itself is mediocre. I feel like it’s lacking the energy of the song. It seems inconsistent with the overall sound the song attempts to deliver. What makes it worse is they return to that riff multiple times throughout the song. I’m sure there a lot of people who enjoy this particular riff, so I will just chalk it up to taste. The transition to the third riff isn’t as smooth as it could be, either. The transition to the heavy breakdown near the end is awesome, though. I love the suspense it builds. The heavy breakdown itself isn’t bad. I just think it’s too slow and makes no sense with the rest of the riffs. It feels like they were trying to throw in something heavy for the sake of having a heavy part. It didn’t feel organic at all. Adding a heavy part in a song is totally fine, but this one in particular was just…tasteless in my opinion.
4. Message
When I listen for lyrics from a hardcore band, I generally expect one of two things: the lyrics are either super self deprecating, or they are very angry. Not to call anyone out or anything, but you vocalists out there can stand to learn a thing or two from Laremy’s lyrics. I enjoy the message of the song a lot. It seems like Laremy actually put time into writing them, and didn’t settle with generic nonsense. The lyrics are very relatable to people who are plagued with loneliness, depression, and various other mental disabilities that seem to be stigmatized.
5. Overall Impression
All in all, I enjoy this release! I think it is exactly what Oklahoma needs - high energy, fast paced riffs with great vocals backing them up with a message that can relate to so many people. I think that one particular riff is bad, but I still look forward to the rest of the album. I hope they keep at it. Being in a band means progressing your sound until you find yourself. Their journey is just beginning and I am excited to watch them develop into a powerhouse in the American hardcore scene.
I give Give Way’s single, “Slipping,” a 3.9/5.
Credits:
Photos by Parker Coffman - fearthelocals
Slipping by Give Way - https://givewayhc.bandcamp.com/releases
