Northpaw could so easily be just another modern metal act. All the standard elements are present and correct: heavy guitars and dual vocals, one shouted, the other contrasting and melodic, with gentle, tuneful musical passages that intersperse the driving assaults of rage.
Why Northpaw aren’t just another modern metal act is that their sound is grittier, grainier, espousing different production values and a strong sense of focus in the songwriting. This grittier sound not only contrasts with the polish favoured by so many identikit metal acts these days, but brings an additional edge to the songs, while the crafted approach to their composition brings a real focus to the emotive force of the songs, packing extra punch. Of course, Northpaw still trade in the currencies of angst and rage, but contrary to what the EP’s title might suggest, they’re utterly fearless.
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