Album Review: 11:11 - Memoirs (Part One)

11:11 show a confidence that I’m not used to hearing from a debut EP, 'Memoirs (Part One)' is a solid post hardcore release in which the band position themselves firmly under the boot of the world, portrayed as cruel and unforgiving from these Scottish lads. So it’s no surprise that it’s filled with outright anger which luckily comes in the form of some well crafted melodies and meaty riffs.

The ‘Prolougue Intro’ is a simple but effective intro to build you up into ‘Ladies And Gentlemen (A Man of Material Faith)’ these lads aren’t exactly groundbreaking in terms of musicianship, it’s quite basic but undeniably solid. The vocals are high pitched and admittedly take some getting used to, the screams on the other hand are reminiscent of the rare times Geoff Rickley of Thursday fame ‘screams’, which quite clearly shouldn’t be taken as a compliment, the reason they got the keyboardist to do it for him.

‘Disguise Built On Lies’ begins with sound clips of news readers breaking the news of 9/11 which feels really awkward and out of place, especially from a band hailing from Petershead. Sadly the vocal style changes throughout making it feel slightly disjointed. Although ‘Van Gogh’s Last Words’ and ‘Lonely Ghost’ get things back on track with some melodic guitar work and hefty riffs, with the strong vocal performances on the release.

It’s not exactly post hardcore as you’ve never heard it before but the melodies and strong structure fill the ep with great moments that will make you come back to it. In parts the vocals let this release down but on the whole its worth a listen, especially as it’s a free download.

3.5/5

'Memoirs (Part One)' by 11:11 is available now as a free download through Eleven11music.co.uk.

11:11 on MySpace and Facebook.

Connor O'Brien