EP: “Closer to Life” by Into Dawn

Hampshire Rock Band “Into Dawn” release their second EP called “Closer to Life” in February 2016. The quartet bring together three original tracks that pack a considerable punch with melodic twin guitars, combined with a powerful warm drumming sound and perfectly matched bass. The band spent five days holed up at the independently owned “Animal Farm” studio in London, working with Jamie Dodd and Ville Lepqnen. This gave the band extensive experience from many years within the music industry and fresh ideas on how to deliver their sound.

The EP opens with the title track “Closer to Life”; which introduces their big guitar sound, that builds steadily before Ash’s considerable vocals kick in. You have to wait until 2 minutes 10 for a Mark Tremonti-style guitar solo, but could only wish it was a little longer as it only lasts a mere 16 or so seconds. The 2nd track “I Used to Be” kicks off with a rumble of distorted bass, before kicking in with some more seriously heavy guitar sounds and Ash’s ‘Scott Stapp-style’ vocals once again impress.

The final track “What I Want” sees the guys really stretching themselves with a track that has just about everything needed for a great Rock anthem. The production provides the perfect balance of rhythm combined with the melodic guitars. The once again well-delivered vocals soon should have any interested listener hooked from the infectious chorus.

All three songs contain the right ingredients that are needed to move this band forward. This EP shows a considerable improvement from their debut EP and a refreshing maturity. They have set out their own idea on how they want to sound and through experience, horizons have been broadened. The only problem with a three track EP is it’s sometimes not enough and this certainly left me wanting to hear more of what this band are capable of. If the band play these tracks live as well as on these recordings I cannot wait to see them at a gig really soon.