The Apprehended
At Arms Length
[Imminence Records]
At Arms Length is what Along the Shadow (Saosin) should have been. And, obviously, that’s a bold statement. But hear me out, or better yet, give The Apprehended the chance they deserve. I don’t know about the press sheet that came with their promo – citing metalcore and volatility doesn’t really seem appropriate in describing their sonic sound, – but their debut EP is one of progressive, technical rock, complete with soaring vocals, energetic breakdowns, and varied instrumentation. The Apprehended really do bring to mind the likes of Saosin, Closure In Moscow, and even Pierce the Veil. They’ve got the package down tight; the opener, “Still Flyin’”, and closer, “Quick Hands//Arm’s Length”, are right where they should be, at opposite ends of the album. “Still Flyin’” is the perfect, accessible blend of styles to introduce the group, while “Quick Hands//Arm’s Length” impresses deeply with its experimentation and broad scale. With skill such as these, The Apprehended could very well have a bright future ahead of them. (Nathaniel Lay)
