Fox Reviews Rock

Introduction

Established in 2017, the Manchester-based Metalcore band Ventures truly knows how to craft a compelling track! Blending melodic elements with powerful riffs, I can genuinely say that listening to “Melt With Me” and the other tracks from their upcoming EP “Up, Down” has been an absolute pleasure.

I’m eagerly looking forward to what these talented musicians will create next, so let’s dive right into the review!

Review

The moment the vocals hit, it’s like a punch to the face raw and gritty, yet clear enough to catch the lyrics, which is a refreshing! To be honest, the vocals are impressively tight, delivering just the right amount of weight to convey emotion without drowning out the rest of the track.

The guitar brings a much-needed melodic sharpness to the song, slicing through its raw intensity and serving as a guiding beacon.

The song’s lyrics carry a melancholic tone, exploring themes of nightmares, nostalgia for happier days, and feelings of isolation. What I particularly appreciate is how well the visuals for artwork align with these themes as well as the nautical idea. It’s not always easy to find a connection between lyrics and artwork, but the nautical elements woven throughout the song create an unexpected visual harmony.

“Disturb the gravity beneath our feet

Tides grow deep 

When your orbit leaves the magnetism 

balancing my our seas“

The song moves at a breakneck pace, propelled by the drums that race along in certain sections. I believe that slightly slowing down the tempo could enhance the overall sound.

I really enjoy the sound of rain around the three-minute mark, though I’m not entirely sure if it’s intended to represent the sea, given the nautical theme woven into the lyrics. This part of the song takes a slower pace, providing a moment to catch your breath, and even the drums ease up!

The conclusion of the song features a more pronounced use of keyboard  compared to the earlier sections, which I’m not particularly fond of. However, I understand the reasoning behind it’s inclusion; it’s a smart technique to wrap up the track, even if it doesn’t resonate with me.

In addition the overlapping screams in the final part of the song don’t do anything for me either; they make it quite difficult to grasp the lyrics resulting in a loss of clarity.

It’s impressive, yet surprising that this was recorded in a home studio, as the production quality is outstanding! Each instrument shines through distinctly, with no interference or bleed at all. You can tell that this song has had some serious thought and refinement put into it!

7.5/10