Reviewed by Steve Husband

HarvestBloom are a female-fronted five-piece from Silver Spring, Maryland who were formed in 2007 and whose debut six track self-titled EP, released in 2009, was not without merit. But this EP is a mega, massive sound improvement. Whilst the album's title track is not the strongest, it is a good track with strong front vocals and traditional overdriven guitar backing. "Natural Compulsion" takes the same basis but enhances it big time with killer licks and sublime backing vocals making you want to hit the replay button over and over again but hold that impulse as the drum intro of "Angels Crying" follows in such a way as you think it's the same song. That is however where the similarity ends and the track stands for itself led by lyrics recounting the hurt and suffering children endure every day the whole world over, whilst a blistering guitar burns in just the right places. Every, prevention of cruelty to children organisation should use this as their theme tune to get the message home. "My Sweet Jesus" slides the rock lever into the metal mode but adding a sweet mid eight running into a driving solo, whilst "Unmistakable" switches to a Texan rock feel enhanced with vintage keys and smooth guitar. The closing track "Blood" is a fresh take on The Creed using it as an answer to the timeless question of what happens at the end. Great lyrics, powerful musicianship, massive choral backing vocals and simply sublime guitar work complete a first class release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.