January 5th, 2012 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Us From Outside
Album: Revived
Genre: Hardcore/rock
Label: Tragic Hero Records
Us, From Outside make for a curious listen. They have very overt classical leanings, or at least a heady interest in same, and harness it quite well amidst the ferocious power of their insistent hardcore. Real coherency can elude them sometimes, but it marks them out as a band slightly more unique and interesting than many of their peers. Revived is an accomplished record, with a varied and vastly enjoyable sound that makes up in determination what it sometimes lacks in merit.
“The Overthrown” is an early indication of the distinctive take the band have on their genre. Its opening refrains are hushed strings, a gorgeously seductive overture that almost destroys itself with the sudden onslaught of screaming. It takes some time to warm to the boisterous, harsher sounds thereafter but the band blend the two styles well, the clean vocals complementing their loftier ambitions and helping to balance the sound. The orchestral elements add a palpable depth to the music – far from being a clinical addition to set them apart from their peers, they harness it with such precision that it enhances their overall sound. They follow this with a 38 second interlude of sorts, “Streets of Lima,” which is a wistful and reflective piece on the acoustic guitar. Though brief, it’s thought-provoking, and sounds suitably like a smoky excerpt from a Latin street.
“Patient Sixty-Seven” opens in an ominous and moody mire, hinting at great darkness in its atmospheric strains. The clean vocals add to the lilting air of anxiety and unease, while the heavier singing throws in the necessary ferocity to gel them with the music. Later offerings on this album don’t always succeed in their dual vocal efforts, but on tracks such as this it adds a necessary note of discord and fierceness to the song. The chorus is huge and powerful, incorporating strings for a piece of the sublime and exquisite amidst the sinister setting. “Cheating’s Her Disease” is less sophisticated and aims for a more straightforward, venomous sound. It’s incandescent from the outset, a damning indictment of the person in question. It really finds its feet however when it radically ups the tempo for a sharp and commanding chorus, powering along recklessly then stripping back for a classical interlude. This is deftly intertwined with deadened screaming for a breakdown at once cutting and majestic.
There’s a haunted silhouette to “Your Heart and Mine.” Everything’s quite wavy and hollow, the vocals distancing themselves and hints of programming creating a vague, indistinct air. This track is a more human moment, its unguarded sound a temporary break from the status quo. The singing doesn’t always hold but it’s affecting and alive throughout. “Putting a Face to Fear” is more impressive. While it lacks the thrust that powers their better songs, it packs a firm punch and great power in its rhythm. It is, ultimately, let down by its staccato beats – the frequent breakdowns and asides keeping it unpredictable, but disorganized.
“Because You Asked” is far better. It’s very natural and organic in sound, its vocals clear and prominent, flanked by melancholic orchestral swells that add much by way of grace and eloquence. The chorus verges on excessive but during the verses it’s much more together and a pleasing, compelling listen. The brief piano solo and soaring final verse add copious inflections of pop but the group vocals are more thorough and bolster it. “This Love I’ve Found” then is sudden and pounding, a rushing comedown from the tenderness of its predecessor. There remains a wounded, hurting undertone in its use of strings but the guitar is aggressive throughout, pursuing both vocal types with equal potency. It can veer off course and be unconvincing in rhythm sometime, but it’s a fine conclusion. That is, until it brings in a bizarre hidden track of sorts that combines raw rap vocals with feisty guitar riffs. Not bad, but very odd.
Revived is a far more arresting and rigorous listen than I expected, but it leaves a very impressive legacy. Us, From Outside have found a way to marry brilliant ambition with something more familiar and in so doing moulded something powerful, yet discreet. The mixing of styles might put some off but it pays off, particularly on further listening. A fine start to the New Year for the New Jersey five-piece.
SCORE: 9/10
Review written by: Grace Duffy
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