EP: "Defiance" by Sansara

I have followed with much interest the career of Sansara since attending their first gig back at Champions in Bournemouth in 2012. The band are a very determined bunch and despite a whole host of set backs with various members leaving at crucial times they have kept going with a huge amount of positivity. This, their third EP, is something quite different from the rest as the band have spent a considerable amount of money getting one of the top rock/metal producers Romesh Dogangoda. The EP was recorded in Romesh’s studio in Cardiff and further mastered in London. The previous two EPs were recorded with twin guitars and this is the first with guitarist Sam taking on the duties on his own.

I have to say the opening track is possibly one of the best tracks Sansara have made so far in their short career, and it has all the right ingredients needed for a great rock track . It opens with Sam’s atmospheric effect laden guitar giving way to Tom’s powerful vocals that have shown a huge improvement. Tom sings with a new found energy and passion that really delivers on every level. “Refine Your Mind” is a well crafted track that would easily stand up to much of the other music in this genre. I could hear this being played on the rock radio stations. If the track “Stronger” is one of Sansara’s best then “On Your Own” is not far behind. Yet another well produced great sounding track that shows a huge progression from this quartet.

New bass player Dee Aldwell seems to have taken his place in the band settling in well, and together with Mike on drums produces up a bone shaking, rock solid, rhythm section. This is apparent on the final track “In Your Hands” which opens with a gentle guitar intro before Dee and Mike whip up a complete storm and Tom comes in with his pitch perfect vocals. All four tracks are right on the money and with Sansara’s hard working ethic and positive drive, this recording will be something the band can use to propel themselves forward to hopefully find a much larger audience. The band play a launch gig for this EP at the Anvil on the 3rd October…….expect fireworks!!!