Edit The Tide—Reflections in Sound EP (2024)

Details

Self-released on Friday 26 April 2024

Facebook | Instagram | Website | YouTube

Band

Benjamin James—Vocals
Rob Norris—Rhythm guitar
Gavin David—Lead guitar
David Snell—Bass
Rudy Mason—Drums

Tracks

Ambience
Unite and rebel
Paradigm
With regret
The moment

Review

Alternative rock band Edit The Tide formed in Bridgend, south Wales in April 2023 and are now poised to make a big splash with their inaugural EP Reflections in Sound (2024). The band features members who’ve shared stages with rock giants such as Bring Me The Horizon, Skindred, You Me At Six, Funeral For A Friend, and Light the Torch.

This EP is more than just an introduction and signal of intention, they say it is also “Edit the Tide’s heartfelt narrative of the past few turbulent years that is thought-provoking for so many of us.”

Placed firmly in the alternative rock genre this EP hits the spot. It puts me in mind of artists such as Evanescence and Stone Sour with their fusion of catchy melodies, poignant lyrics, powerful riffs and punchy breakdowns.

“Ambience” (track 1) opens with a gentle arpeggio that suddenly opens up to reveal a solid production, pounding drums and tight twin guitars. The lyrics speak about guilt and how the decisions we make in life affect the path we are on. The song twists and turns through various melodic themes with layered vocals bringing depth and energy to the chorus. A great start to this EP.

“Unite and rebel” (track 2) tells the story of the Covid-19 pandemic which destroyed plans, businesses and relationships. A more sombre and reflective track, its riffs uplift a simple melody.

Distorted bass and pummeling drums open “Paradigm” (track 3) which explores how we are born as “slaves to the machine”. Start/stop riffs ignite an infectious groove that bounces and takes your head and body with it.

“With regret” (track 4) ironically is about not letting your life be impacted by regret. It opens with a very metal riff that evolves into one that pleasingly squeals and dances. The cheery and hopeful sounding chorus is what really makes this track.

The EP closes with “The moment” (track 5), a track that speaks about never giving up. If only there was a way to let this track play on loop indefinitely. This is a much gentler and laid back song than the others, even after it opens up to a galloping groove. The perfect closer for a solid and focused first EP from Edit The Tide.

Conclusion

As the band tell us, Reflections In Sound (2024) marks Edit The Tide’s inception and explores their transformative journey through the digital music industry, reflecting on life changes and friendship
bonds. And they do it well. I stuck this EP on repeat the first day I heard it—and again as I wrote this.

This EP captures five songs that are catchy, melodic, memorable and just good old fashioned fun to listen to. More of this please, and I hope Edit The Tide go on to great things, they deserve it 100%.

Review score: 90%

Video

Disclosure

Stampede Press contacted me inviting me to preview Edit The Tide’s forthcoming album, thank you. I have no connections to either Stampede Press or Edit The Tide. I’m not being paid to review this, but I did get a free digital copy of the album to review which is pretty cool. Many thanks to Rob from Stampede Press, and to Edit The Tide for continuing to create fresh, exciting new alt. rock.