Keepsake
Wanderer
Self-released (2014)
Sounds like: Heavier, moshy hardcore with a cool melodic touch.
Score 8/10
This new six song EP by Las Vegas locals Keepsake is self described as melodic hardcore, but I nearly had to bust an Arnold Drummond style, “What you talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” when I kicked it over the first time. It wasn’t until about halfway through the second song that the real melodic elements surfaced with some cool harmonized guitars. In fact, if I were to make a quick comparison, I would describe this band as a slightly less technical and more mosh driven Shai Hulud.
The harder style of hardcore certainly seem to be the dominant flavor for LVHC these days, and as stated in my review of the Acid Rain demo, I’m down with mosh parts when done right. However, I would be lying if I didn’t note that melodic guitars are what really interest me, and there is some quality noodling happening throughout the majority of these songs. Again, Shai Hulud inevitably comes to mind.
I am also reminded of the Chad Gilbert era of Shai Hulud when listening to the vocalist in Keepsake, especially the earlier SH records such as A Profound Hatred of Man and Hearts Once Nourished with Love and Compassion. The singer employs the same ultra-pissed vocal style, but a great majority of his sentiment is easily deciphered without the aid of a lyric sheet. And that’s a good thing considering I could not access the lyrics on the Keepsake bandcamp page (a physical version of this EP also exists).
A tight rhythm section holds it all together, and I was particularly impressed with the drums. This dude keeps his rolls tight, his double bass work is outstanding, and he also throws in some different beats here and there that help keep these songs interesting. Let me also quickly add that all of the players on this EP are accurately represented with yet another top notch recording.
As I look over this review, it may seem like I am dogging out Keepsake as a carbon copy band, but that is truly not my intent. Let me also state the following for the record: I like and still listen to my Shai Hulud records. So, yeah, any comparisons here are meant as a real compliment.
Keepsake is without a doubt another fine addition to the latest crop of young, up and coming LVHC bands.
-Lance Wells
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