WRITTEN BY: ALLEEN HUGHES

Album: "Dolor" EP

Release Date: October 13, 2017

Mastered by: Charles Ruiz

Melodic hardcore is a broadly defined subgenre of hardcore punk with a strong emphasis on melody in its guitar work. It generally incorporates fast rhythms, melodic and often distorted guitar riffs and vocal styles tending towards shouting and screaming. A Shark Among Us fall admirably into that category and in the Southern California music scene, the 5 piece are top contestants in this genre. Proof to this contending position comes in their recent release, “Dolor,” that became available on October 13th. Although it was a Friday the 13th, there was nothing unlucky about this banger EP.

ASAU are no strangers to heaviness. “Ashes” is the first song on “Dolor” and from the second you hit that play button, you’re hurled into the album’s foreshadowing of chest grasping bass, anamorphic guitar chords and incredible vocals with in depth meaning. The lyrics and delivery in “Ashes” are unforgettable especially when leading up to the breakdown that crashes into you towards the end. “Vultures” offers that mosh inducing sound and this is one of those types of songs that make you feel like you already know it from start to finish, even on the first go around. The drums in the intro and the chorus lines will make this song a favorite of yours especially if you’re a fan of Counterparts as well as Stick To Your Guns. The metal-leaning guitar riffs tilt the song to a different direction from the rest but the hook brings you right back to the band’s hardcore roots.

Of the four, “Eventide” and “Hardcast” were my favorite to replay over and over. Both of these tracks feature guest vocals from some very respected local frontman. “Eventide” begins with a more somber mood and slower tempo but that doesn’t change the effect to the heavy bass riffs that make you feel the passion in the track. Joseph Yarbrough (vocalist-Cvltvre) delivers a momentous appearance that paired with vocalist David drives you to hit replay. Combine all of those components with that lead guitar solo with David’s spoken poetry at the bridge that gives listeners an inside look to the true heart to their music and the pain in David's writing. Within the first thirty seconds of “Hardcast” I knew to prepare myself for an intensified canticle. A preluding guitar intro gets your body for a running start on the finale of “Dolor.” Featuring a vocal guest appearance from Marawan “Maro” Abdelmola (vocalist- Set Sights), the final track is a beast. It’s dripping with emotion and angst and has no hold back. Each element in this band shines bright here and they definitely closed this EP out with a punch.

At only 15 minutes in length, “Dolor” whips by and it’s only necessary to give it a spin again…and again. At first the four songs didn’t stand out to me but the second time around I immediately became hooked and impressed. A Shark Among Us show their growth in this EP but their roots and style remain intact. These four tracks are sure to please fans as well as bring in new ones and hopefully open up the door for the opportunities this California South Bay band is deserving of. The EP offers full songs with little to no filler and the quality to ASAU's writing makes it a shame it is only four tracks, luckily there is that repeat button.

Pick up "Dolor" now via BANDCAMP!

4/5

Track List: