THECITYISOURS
Wildfire EP
(Self-Release)
It’s been interesting to watch the way metalcore has changed over the past ten years, straying from its thrash and melodeath roots to encompass something more melodic and groove-oriented. While so many bands slip up when introducing stadium-sized hooks, London-based newcomers THECITYISOURS already show a mastery of the style. They offer up something that is both familiar and refreshing, with a sound that is reminiscent of Bury Tomorrow, Of Mice & Men, and Beartooth, with an almost djent tinge to the breakdowns (and, hoo boy are they great on here). What’s truly remarkable about this five-song EP is how confident and poised this young band is, and it only takes a minute to fall in love with THECITYISOURS. When clean vocalist/guitarist Mikey Page starts up with “Tonight we’ll burn, like I’m a wildfire” you know you’re hooked. They have the swagger, talent, and honest-to-God hooks that remind me of how Bullet For My Valentine would sound like if they could really write a tune and stopped penning lyrics like a 14-year-old. While there is clearly no justice in the world, in a just world, THECITYISOURS will be huge after this debut EP.
Every tune on here is ace, but “Haunted” is probably the heaviest tune on here, and it’s nice to hear they are just as capable at outright bangers as they are with slow-burns (see “The Life In You”). The only minor issue, and is that Sam Stolliday’s harsh vocals feel underwhelming in contrast with Page’s heavenly hooks. It’s not that Stolliday’s screaming is poor, but it’s rather average at times and drags down just a minor peg. Still, it’s a damn introductory EP, and few bands come out of the gate this confidently and expertly. It may not revolutionize metalcore as we know it, but I expect to see THECITYISOURS headlining festivals in a few years if they can build on this excellent EP.
