Single Review: Vore

Auckland 5 piece REI (not to be confused with Rei the NZ Hip-Hop artist) have just released their debut single Vore. Crossing genre lines by blending mathcore and emo is no easy feat but this is an example of original fusion done well and sounding unique. They have managed to pack a whole lot of riff and controlled chaos into a two and bit minute tune. The production is clean and precise, the double kicks machine like. The frantic nature of the music takes me right to ‘Miss Machine’ era Dillinger Escape Plan but vocally I am reminded of Jeremy Bolm from melodic hardcore sweethearts Touche Amore, lead vocalist Lily Mao’s raspy, strained scream, clear and coherent but pained and emotive.

The song begins with full bore intensity with stop-start velocity, all instruments completely in sync while the lead guitar runs rampant around the fret board. From around the 40 second mark the song already in its 3rd transition, guitarists Ian Ngu and Georgi Dobrev fuse technical overlapping riffage with the rhythm section running its own course, low end held down by bassist Ariki Jacob Perana. The song moves through section to section at rapid fire with some parts hinted at again or further expanded on.

I have mild flashbacks to NZ melodic hardcore legends Cold by Winter via some of the vocal melody and melodic guitar lead when they cross paths, there’s a passionate energy. Drummer Andy Mack is a definite highlight throughout, particularly the double kick patterns, towards the end of the song, it reminds me of the industrial double bass monster that was Fear Factory, Raymond Herrera’s mechanical, machine like feet.

The breakdown also carries its own groove (rather than the cookie cutter standard fare) and the feature of the spoken word piece over the top gives it another interesting edge. There’s so much to absorb as there are so many pieces put together in a short space of time. I found this song to be a lot more mathcore with elements of progressive metal with a slight emo tinge but I understand the crossover and they have created something that stands out, be it a crazy, manic and expressive piece of emotive math metal. Once again New Zealand heavy music is proving, forging and standing strong.

Be sure to catch REI live at their next show and keep an eye out for their upcoming EP Violent Delight.