Album Review: Betweeen The Devil And The Deep - Paper Spine

Local Sydney post-hardcore outfit Between The Devil And The Deep release their ferocious debut album, Paper Spine, and have compiled 12 tracks that are elegant yet barbaric. Musically, the tracks are simple yet progressive as the band intertwines multiple guitar melodies and rhythmic changes, resulting in a cacophony of musical glee, which is at times topped off with some truly violent vocals. Paper Spine formalises BTDATD's sound while still staying original and unpolluted by current trends.

Current single The Bridgeburners frenetically builds upon an intense guitar riff, hot and heavy vocals, with the rhythm section relentlessly maintaining the track's fervour. Ballast in comparison is a melodic number, with the guitars and vocals, at times, fighting to dominate. The track also features a gripping outro. Chances are you would have heard God Hates The New Facebook, a dark, brooding song based around an eerie guitar hook. In comparison to the band's other material, this could be their pop song of sorts – that is, if you like your pop with a large dose of violence. The title track takes a turn around half way, transforming from a trance-like state to unbridled rage, which is nothing short of inspiring.

BTDATD wear their hearts on their sleeves. Paper Spine listens like a big 'fuck you' to people in the past and the future who have the audacity to get in their way. The songs are hard and harsh, beautiful and bitter, eager and emotional and, more importantly, they are splendidly easy to listen to and appreciate. BTDATD can notch this debut album up as a fucking winner.