ALBUM REVIEW: In Evil Hour – Permanent Record (self-released)
In Evil Hour are a four-piece punk band from Darlington who have spent the last 15 years making in-your-face melodic hardcore which has won them fans around the UK and Europe.
Alice, Gareth, Gib and Mike have two albums and a couple of EPs to their name, as well as a handful of digital tracks, but over the last couple of years they’ve tried something very different.
In addition to their usual blazing electric sets, they’ve twice performed acoustic arrangements of some of their songs at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool.
They’ve gone down so well that now they’re recorded this 10-song set of stripped-back interpretations, covering their entire career to date.
If anything, the songs carry even more clout than the rowdy originals, as vocalist Alice doesn’t have to make herself heard over the cacophony.
Most are slowed down, and the addition of cello to several tracks courtesy of Buffy Hughes is a real masterstroke. It gives them an apocalyptic feel, but there’s nothing watered down about them; Alice still delivers them at full pelt.
The album begins with my favourite In Evil Hour song, Predators, which is usually a breakneck anthem about western warmongers. Stripped back to basics it’s even more powerful, and with recent events in Gaza takes on new meaning.
It’s one of three tracks reimagined from 2015’s Built On Our Backs EP; Ascension is a minute longer than the original, and haunting cello adds a real feeling of melancholy, while the buzzsaw guitar which powered Progress is replaced by gentle acoustic work and brushed drums.
Just one track from 2013 debut album The World Bleeds Out is revisited, with the juddering bass and fuzzy guitar on The Terminal replaced by some lovely acoustic picking.
We get new versions of two digital-only singles, 2050 and Explain Things To Me, and there’s some wonderful Spanish-style guitar from Gareth on Modern Detachment, which is one of the standout tracks.
It’s one of four songs included from 2017’s second album Lights Out, including closer Leave A Mark, a digital-only bonus track not included on the CD. I’m guessing it was the starting point for the whole acoustic project, as it’s a total outlier to the band’s usual shock and awe sound. Bitter and Enemy Within are the other tracks, with the latter another contender for standout moment.
One of the best things about Permanent Record is the way long-time producer Chris Davison gives all the instruments space to be heard, though Alice inevitably steals the show; her voice is strong and clear, with just the right amount of bite where required. She shows herself to be a vocalist of real talent. 8.5/10.
- In Evil Hour are also putting the finishing touches to an electric EP that will be available early next year. In the meantime, treat yourself to Permanent Record. It’s available on CD, vinyl and digitally from In Evil Hour’s Bandcamp page HERE.
