'FEVER' / AGAINST THE CURRENT: REVIEW


by emma schoors

photo by beth saravo

photo by beth saravo

The word “fever” originates from a heavy-handed list of similar words: Greek tephra, or "ashes,” Lithuanian dāgas, or "heat”: even a brief look into Proto-Indo-European language will reveal a connection to “to burn.” However, the title of Against The Current’s latest EP fever isn’t just a tailor-made summing of the songs; seconds into “that won’t save us,” feverish dissolves into an understatement.

“Maybe we were born to fight,” lead singer Chrissy Costanza pleads, following with lines like “Well, the duller the knife, the deeper the scars.” More calls-to-action than admissions of defeat, vulnerability is cemented as a lyrical strength for the pop-rock trio. By the start of “weapon” the openness sets in, and so does the excitement. 

Calling back memories of The Used’s “Over And Over Again” (“The bite from the taste and the smell of the sick somehow reminds me to be myself / Over and over again”), “again&again” is simultaneously nostalgic and completely new. Constanza softly admits, “My body's a temple crowded with ghosts. Hard as I try, I'm never alone.” 

“jump” and “burn it down” are high-energy and highlighted by drummer Will Ferri’s fervent beat. The compactness of these tracks give leeway to “shatter,” which is an unexpected yet pleasant slowing of the EP. “You won’t see me shatter,” Constanza insists, upon guitarist Dan Gow’s melancholic melody. This melancholy doesn’t linger for long, as the imminent stinging end of the EP approaches. “lullaby” packs a definite punch, and excitedly wraps up what is one hell of a listening experience. 

Against The Current is on fire, and fever is a restless, all-consuming ratification of their status as pop-rock royalty.

 

'WEAPON' / AGAINST THE CURRENT: REVIEW


by emma schoors

photo by beth saravo

photo by beth saravo

Pop-rock trio Against The Current’s “Weapon” is a fiery, climatic tune with killer vocals and equally intense instrumentals.

“Weapon” has the grit and edge necessary to attract rock fans, while maintaining the melodic hooks needed for pop listeners to stay engaged. This stylistic choice means the single has the widest-ranging possible audience, and is sure to appeal to many different kinds of people. 

Lead singer Chrissy Costanza shines through with passionate and determined vocals, while guitarist Dan Gow contributes classic, energizing pop-punk riffs. What drives this tune in part, however, are the powerful drums, laid down by drummer Will Ferri. When all of these components are added together, the song becomes an absolute powerhouse. 

“Weapon” is a forceful and highly impactful single from Against The Current, and anyone looking for a new band and song to love should definitely check it out.

 

'HENCHMEN' / VISTA: SINGLE REVIEW


BY ALISSA ARUNARSIRAKUL

Anthem-rock three piece VISTA are back at it again just months after releasing their debut EP, “VERSUS.” These New York natives are ready to take on 2017 with an explosive single titled “Henchmen.” In a recent interview with Legendary Kids Press, Greg Almeida (lead guitar) cites “the typical [bands] to like on Long Island”—such as Taking Back Sunday and Brand New—as major influences of his music style, which is evident in “Henchmen.” Matt Vlossak (drums) describes the new tune as something that “happened naturally and evolved into something bigger than [he] imagined.” Hope Vista (lead vocals) accurately labels the band’s sound as “huge upbeat anthems,” and “Henchmen” is no exception.

This powerful track begins with intriguing guitar sounds and aggressive drumming, reminiscent of All Time Low, and smoothly layers in Hope Vista’s empowering vocals. Vista’s gritty and sharp voice in “Henchmen” has greatly matured since we last heard her in 2016’s “VERSUS.” The harmonies in the chorus are arguably what stands out the most throughout the song, because they flow impeccably with Vista’s defined voice. The infectious guitar riffs by Almeida on this track are impossible to forget and they sound incredibly well put together. Vlossak’s drumming on this song is better than ever, as they really define the hardcore aspect of this band.

Mixing various elements of alternative and punk rock, VISTA has been compared to female-fronted, punk powerhouse Paramore more than a few times. Although the captivating Hope Vista does sound similar to Paramore’s Hayley Williams, it is apparent that VISTA, who are much newer to the music scene, offer a fresher vibe.

VISTA are confirmed to play a sold out show on the night of their single release with Against The Current on their In Our Bones world tour on Friday, January 13th at the Irving Plaza in New York, NY. Their new single “Henchmen” is set to be released at midnight on January 13th. 

 

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