Dipping into the ever-present pile of albums and EPs I want to review, As Sirens Fall have been in said pile for quite some time now so it’s only fair they have their moment. Describing themselves as “aggressive pop” on their Facebook page, it’s rather appropriate. Musically, it’s guitar-driven and can be classified as rock music but it’s full of pop-hooks and very radio-friendly.
Where Lost Things Go isn’t the sort of thing I’d normally listen to but I’m all for expanding my musical tastes. Back when I used to work in an old job and we’d have a certain radio station playing, you’d hear bands like this all the time. They didn’t do anything for me. Here, As Sirens Fall don’t offer anything particularly new, straddling that alternative rock/pop punk sound in an over-saturated market.
Lyrically, the EP deals with mental health matters and anyone bringing awareness to the subject gets a massive thumbs up from me. The main problem with the EP is its opening two tracks. “Lily” and “In My Mind” fail to hold your attention and whilst the latter may feature Skindred’s Benji Webb, it doesn’t add anything and instead feels forced. On the other hand, it’s not the worst thing Webb has put his name to – you’ve got Skindred’s entire back catalogue for that.
Mikey Lord’s voice feels out of place on “She Runs With the Wolves” and there’s hints of him struggling during the highs. Where he does flourish is the stripped-back “Getaway” and indeed, the entire band have great moments with the grittier “Like Vultures” and “My Only Ghost”. It’s these two tracks where the band seem more focused and assured of their sound and whilst it may keep with the theme of the EP’s openers of offering nothing new, the quality is higher and tracks like these ones would likely gain them recognition for being a cut above the rest of their generic peers.
Where Lost Things Go isn’t one of these EPs which shows a band at odds with itself. Instead, the good tracks are buried and a guest appearance which feels unnecessary. As Sirens Fall may not bring anything new to their respective table but there’s a germ of potential buried in there, providing you can persevere through the initial tracks.
Where Lost Things Go is out now
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