The debut EP Day to Defy from Poison Skies delivers a familiar pop-punk kick while nailing their powerful and catchy sound.
The EP begins with their upbeat single Eighty Six, leading into the heavier half-time thrash of Stop and Breathe – The catchy, melodic chorus in this second track provides a stark contrast against a well-orchestrated wall of noise.
The bands’ three guitarists compliment each other while still keeping their parts different and unique, while the gang vocal arrangements compliment the dynamic rhythm of the drums and bass.
From there we move on to City Streets,a classic pop-punk blend infused with an upbeat vibe and lyrics that sound like a positive anthem for urban youth, a sound reminiscent of well known Auckland bands The Bleeders and King Cannons – the music video for this song tells a story of an office worker longing to finish his day and go home and dress up in a bright colorful clown costume.
The standout track for me was track 05 – Victim of Reality – this track is one big party – with a big riff that almost lends itself to the likes of early Motorhead with a big, rock chorus and a kick-ass guitar solo; this definitely the sing-along Rock track of the EP.
The Auckland-based 5 piece have been around since 2013 and are currently on tour with Rebel Sound Radio. You can catch them November 25th at Gravity Bar Hamilton, and November 26th at Backbeat in Auckland.
About the author LoraThompson
Biography ‘Three piece rockers, Cheshire Grimm, ensure their sophisticated musical backdrop supports the dual vocals from their front-women, Kat Waswo and Lora Thompson. The band continues building a reputation throughout NZ and Australia as a precise live show with funky rhythms that get audiences involved and dancing. With drummer, Dan Yarranton providing not only solid backing, but also seismic fills and flashes along with the odd keyboard solo, this band launches their energy on stage and on record. Deft guitar work, interesting arrangements and personal lyrics make sure that this is a band to watch. Influenced by a broad spectrum of music from grunge & prog-rock to electronic music , Cheshire Grimm have been able to distill their influences into something beyond a simple combination of parts. They manage to keep their rock sound sprawling, yet concise; hard-edged yet open: and, most of all, full of life. Those looking for
