All Ears Avow from Swindon, UK describes themselves as “pop riffs for emo kids”. Full of exciting melodies yet emotionally charged subject matter it makes for an accurate description. Following a string of hard-hitting singles and a stunning performance at Download Festival, their debut album Horrors has been met with a lot of anticipation. They’ve created an album that’s jam-packed with style and high energy. The entire experience came together as something heartfelt and freeing. Horrors marks a milestone in the story of a band that is destined to go far.
Claire Sutton describes the experience of creating Horrors with her bandmates best:
“There’s an energy running through the entire album that we never let drop. But because it’s a bigger record than anything we’ve done before, there’s room for ebb and flow, and that’s allowed us to stretch out creatively and really put our passion on display. The album explores themes of societal control, brainwashing, obsession, incompetence, self-confidence, and hopelessness. We realized it was about the horrors of life – both external and internal – and how, in many ways, life feels like one big horror show we’re all battling through. Calling the record Horrors summed everything up.”
The album is this modernized glam adventure. Claire Sutton (Vocals, Guitar) hits impressive notes in every song, showing off skilled range. From the darker sultier songs to their more aggressive and biting ones. Jake Willcock takes on ripping classic solos giving their sound this punchy and danceable vitality. The bassline, brought to us by Joe Bishop, thrums through you as you listen. In their cymbal heavy and energetic direction, Sean Ivens bangs out tripping rhythms on the drums that roll things along.
‘Young Horror’ makes it’s mark as something defiant. A ringing cry to keep moving forward despite the Horrors in our way. It’s hopeful and has these wide open riffs and vocals. It’s the kind of music that you play with the windows down, ready to take on the world. The accompanying music video has a delightful DIY quality to it that manages to tell the full song’s story while utilizing simple set props.
‘A Night Like This’ has club vibes with pulsating synth and those vocal highs inspired by disco. The whispered backup vocals feel like a siren call. On the brink of a double life, the possibility of being willfully corrupted, and the struggle of a double life alongside catchy instrumentals. The music video being a wild vampire’s night out clubbing paints the perfect picture of sinking to need even if it makes a villain out of you.
Despite the reduction in tempo ‘Turn the Page (Chapter 2)’ is the heaviest song on the album. This song comes together with deep basslines, funky guitar, and cymbal heavy drums. In a shock to the band and listeners a full on scream ties the entire song together in an explosive breakdown.
Horrors by All Ears AvowClosing out with ‘Fire’ the band channels retro rock attitude. Including a cassette rewind at the start and twangy vocals. The gospel-esque chorus creates a sense of something greater. This track comes off as hopeful for something new, but being afraid of taking that step. It creates a stunning and open ended finale to the adventure that Horrors takes you on.
Horrors by All Ears AvowUpcoming live dates:
Dead Rubber Dolls Album Launch!
17/10 – Bristol, United Kingdom
A NIGHT OF HORRORS TOUR
30/10 – Swindon, United Kingdom
31/10 – Watford, United Kingdom
1/11 – Cambridge, United Kingdom
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