`This Hell Goes A Long Way Down` is the debut EP from Wrex who comprise of Mae Seaton (vocals), George Donoghue (vocals / guitars / synths), Tom Stevens (guitar), Joe Constable (bass) and Greg Walton (drums).
The bands sound encompasses a blend electro-charged alternative rock tinged with punk, nu-metal, pop, and trance.
We are hurled into this extended play with `Take a Walk` a blistering pounding rock come nu-metal assault which seems to be a verbal discourse between the vocalists on each other`s merits and faults. It takes a brief time out to gather breath midway before resuming its prior searing path. There`s a more subtle approach to `Heaven’s Gate` which begins with an electronic pulse like beat and Mae`s vocals that have a delicate vulnerability. It then takes off with pace and veers into a verbal exchange where one protagonist challenges the other to leave the relationship which seems to be irredeemable with neither wanting to be the one to end it.
Title track `This Hell Goes A Long Way Down` has a kind of drum and bass vibe at its heart which brought to mind the Australian electronic pioneers Pendulum. The narrative may well reflect on spiralling mental health issues. There`s a real headrush to the scorching `S.A.D` another number that maybe hints at the periodic depressive mental health problem of seasonal affective disorder with a soundscape that kind of mirrors the impact of this illness.
`Shallow` is a deep and thoughtful ballad like offering and allows us some time to deliberate before this extended play concludes with `The End` which deviates from almost Eminem rapped segments to drum and bass passages with some pensive moments on route.
`This Hell Goes A Long Way Down` allows Wrex to demonstrate their varied sound and style over six tracks running just under twenty minutes.
A really interesting introduction to a band that will be worth tracking as they develop and evolve.
Rating 8.5/10
