Artist: Notanumber
Title: The Great Storm Upon Us
Type: E.P.
Label: Self-Released

Ahem. “Probably the best post-melodic country metalcore band in the underground scene of the southern area of Rome.” Bit of a gobful that is, and considering I doubt there are that many post-melodic country metalcore bands in the world, let alone southern Rome, this doesn’t really tell us very much. Besides which, didn’t a certain lager brand already have copyright on a very similar slogan, and incidentally I rarely meet a drinker who would agree said beverage is top of the grogs. Now much like Carlsberg (oops!) wouldn’t be my tipple of choice assuming (and being a poor student, I don’t!) I had the funds to raid the fridge of bottled imports to the extent that I couldn’t remember my name by the time I hit the hay, metalcore is not high up my list of favourite genres either. Still, it’s predictable, safe and cheap and I’m far less likely to turn up my snout at a cheap pint than I am a free CD that’s terrible when I’ve got a full wall full of music to entertain me at home. That may be true, but little known fact is that I do own a tiny, tiny handful of metalcore albums which, thanks in part to my younger brother, I grew to like. While much of the style I find to be very samey and dull, every now and then I find a band that’s actually worth the plastic it’s pressed on.

After a few listens, I can conclude this is one of those bands. I’m not sure where the country part comes into the equation (thankfully no Garth Brooks or Dolly Parton thigh slapping and heart breaking going on here!) but this is a skilfully crafted and energetic E.P. that sets Notanumber apart from the pack. The first track, ‘Road to Enlightenment’ begins with what sounds like a helicopter buzzing overhead, which swiftly gives way to a violent storm of sturdy riffs and battering drums complete with some crazy fills. There is a hardcore bluntness to this in places that is delivered with quite a thud, while there is quite a neat guitar solo on ‘The Great Storm Upon Us.’ This one almost seems to act as a precursor to the oncoming storm and sure enough it delivers with the battering force of torrential rain and the drumming here is relentless.

The vocals range from hardcore growls to melodic croons, which I have to admit take a few listens to get used to; these verge on the whiny and while it suits the music it does have that dash of emo that will be shunned by your average metalhead. They do make an effortless transition from heaviness to easy melodies, and ‘Follow The Raven’ certainly shows off their mellower side with acoustic guitar and subdued vocals that’s all quite pleasant on the ears. Think something along the lines of Killswitch’s ‘At the End Of Heartache.’

Overall this is a solid E.P. from a promising young band and goes down like a chilled pint of aforementioned lager on a hot summers day (not like I can remember what one of those felt like!) Perhaps the metalcore kids have moved on; I’m not really down with today’s youth trends, but if you’re into the genre then check this out.

http://www.myspace.com/notanumber0

Luci Herbert

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