Erabella - "The Familiar Grey" (EP) Review

Updated: Sep 25, 2020

Erabella are a five piece metallic hardcore band from Illinois that have recently released their follow up to 2018's Kingdoms EP with its successor and the subject of our review, The Familiar Grey.

A band that is no stranger to genre mixing and fusion of the conventional with the maverick. The Familiar Grey is a release that takes the strongest elements from traditional New York hardcore (namely in the Chris Hughes' eclectic vocal range and the clean yet calculated percussion provided by Nathan Deloriea) and carefully combines it with striking first wave metalcore influence and punk overtones.

"Casket Talk" is a particular highlight. This track never feels the need to hold back and from the opening few seconds pummels the listener with down-tuned guitar riffage that reflects that of what could be found on early 2000s alternative and metalcore albums with oppressively heavy chugging patterns and thundering growls. Without question this is the heaviest song found here and it does an excellent job of distinguishing itself from the typical post hardcore sound of the modern era.

None of the record could be possible without mention to Erabella's talented six stringers however. Rhythm guitarist Connor Rennels and lead guitar player Jovany Parra play beautifully off each other to supply christiline solos, haunting atmospheres and moody melodies that permeate every second of this transcendent release.

None the more is this dual guitar style apparent than on tracks such as "Hesitation Anxiety" or the soaring standout that is "I Wish You Weren't Welcome". Both songs feature an eerie dissonance that is evocative of the likes of later Solstafir or Alcest releases in their abundance of emotional energy.

Overall the record too is gorgeously produced with every voice in the band given their own time to breathe and demonstrate the best parts of each other. The drums are clean and distinct and allow the vocals with the guitars to weave freely around each other nicely.

There is a lot to love on The Familiar Grey, even for someone such as myself with a very limited palette of post hardcore in general. The EP is available now from all major streaming platforms as well as hosting from InnerStrength Records' Bandcamp page if you wish to show your support digitally. They are definitely a band worth keeping an eye on for what they do next.