December 2nd, 2008 
James Shotwell Band: Siren The Escape
Album: Self-Entitled EP
Genre: Metal/Hardcore
Label: Unsigned
Tracks:
1. More Sisters, Less Misters
2. Jesus Wears Gucci
3. How’s The Weather
4. Just Consider it Horse Food
5. Attack of the Flower Monster
6. This Was a Theory
Siren The Escape is a Metalcore band from mid Michigan. They have been leaving a huge imprint on fans that attend their shows due to their very impressive style. Using a huge amount of influences that range in genres, Siren The Escape is one of the few bands that really stands out when it comes to thinking of unsigned bands for the fact that have a very progressive sound to them, a sound where when you listen to the band, it doesn’t remind you of hundreds of other bands you have seen and or heard in your lifetime.
In the days where the overworked Metalcore genre seems to be just another sound quickly using its power, Siren The Escape releases their very first EP. Now don’t think because the band isn’t signed that they don’t deserve to listen to, in fact I would not be surprised if they have had some offers after this release.
Now the first thing that really stands out the first listen through this self entitled EP, is the fact that not one single song reminds you of another (which is good because you can actually tell when the tracks change), yet you can still tell it’s the same band. That is a very impressive talent that many bands fail to capture very often anymore.
The First track is entitled “More Sisters, Less Misters.” This track starts off with a very unique guitar riff that introduces you to what the band sounds like, then the drums come in with double bass and crashing cymbals. As soon as the vocals start on this track you get that relieved feeling that your ears don’t have to suffer through terrible vocals for good instruments. They come with perfect timing with the rest of the instruments, to create an organized sound many can respect. There is the perfect mix of contrasting vocals switching from Justin (screams) to Ryan (Guitar/Vocals). This track ends with a nice breakdown, which is at what seems a perfect length and not drawn out.
The Second track on this album “Jesus Wears Gucci” exposes you to more high screams then most of the other tracks. The guitar parts go from being pretty heavy to melodic at times, using some almost trance like delays and effects. The bass line keeps your head attached to your shoulders and keeps the track on its feet. The drums thunder through the track in an impressive matter but do not annoy the slightest bit. There is also a quality solo toward the end of the song which is another reason to make the band stand out more then most now-a-days, instead of relying solely on just breakdowns.
The third track entitled “How’s The Weather” starts off heavy, and gets you geared up for the rest of the song quickly. They guitar riffs in this song stand out very strong, more so then any of their previous songs, they go from breakdown to some very mellow chords that go well with the singing of Ryan, as Justin is quick to reply with his powerful screams. The guitars carry over into an almost southern sounding metal. The song ends on a heavy note with a well planned out breakdown that is sure to keep you on your feet and get you moving.
“Just Consider it Horse Food” is the forth track on this album. This is the song that I have always remembered Siren The Escape for with very catchy lyrics, good contrasting vocals, drumbeats that push the track forward and some technical guitar riffs. The Part that makes this track stand out the most is the fact that focus goes to just the guitar at some points, and for the fact that about half way through the song they have a circus like sound riff which quickly leaves to impressive screams and a heavy guitar part.
My favorite track on this album is “Attack of the Flower Monster” which starts off really slow with mellow guitar riffs, a laid back drums pattern and a chill bass line. The song goes from clean with delay effects on the guitar to distortion but doesn’t pick up just yet, there are a few lines screamed by Justin before everything picks up, then the lyrics “bodies upon bodies” go strait to heart and then everything falls into place and picks up. The lyrics on the song have captured my very much, seeming intense yet still maintaining a good message. You can tell the passion that STE had while writing this song.
The last track on the album “This Was a Theory” is also a really quality song. It’s much heavier then the previous track (“Attack of the Flower Monster”) yet still gets the point across. The tempo on this track is pretty laid back at times but is quick to pick up. The drums on this track seem to stand out a lot as they give an epic suspense fullness to the track that makes you wonder what to expect next. Towards the end of the track just lets out one long as scream that makes the breakdown as the song slowly fades out.
Now I must say that Siren The Escape has put together one extremely impressive EP. These guys worked extremely hard in the studios recording this album and writing all thee tracks. They deserve praise solely for effort, and then there lays the fact that every single song on the album is great. If you would like to hear a band that doesn’t sound like the same mainstream Metalcore sound that is overplayed and you are into Metal, Metalcore, or just Hardcore be sure check out these guys. I would highly encourage the purchase of their very first album, there is a lot of effort put into it, there is a lot of passion, and there is a lot of talent on here.
*Written By: Danny Weiss*
8.5/10
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brock sings in more sisters less misters