Album Review: This Sudden Injury - Ghosts EP

Suffolk seems to be churning out mediocre pop-punk bands left right and centre these days, and This Sudden Injury just about fall the good side of average. Forming in 2009, their debut EP 'Ghosts' follows all the typical conventions; with catchy hooks, big choruses and swirling guitars, but it just isn't exciting. Yes they have potential, but unfortunately they just don't seem to be making the most of it.

Opener 'Seasons' starts off promisingly but the strained vocals leaves a lot to be desired. Thankfully by 'LEC' vocals are a lot easier on the ear and are far more melodic, except for the brief and misguided attempt at screams. It's a good example of how TSI can salvage a track by packing in plenty of hooks and an extremely catchy chorus into a song that could have gone badly wrong. '1922' features the best vocal performance of the EP, and contains some truly inspired lyrics that will have crowds singing along in no time. It's the first time on the album that they sound comfortable with their sound and don't have to try and save the song.

Fast-paced 'Magneto Was Right' starts off far too franticly and is another average pop-punk track that doesn't do the band any justice. The vocals aren't as crisp as before and it's the first track on the EP that's lacking the barrage of hooks TSI have done so well before. 'Alice Ayres' brings the EP to a close on a good note, bringing back the catchy chorus and upbeat guitar riffs that don't go over the top. Another good set of lyrics, and finally the vocals to match. Ending with a perfect scream, it makes you wonder why they couldn't recreate this in the other songs on the album.

This Sudden Injury have produced an EP which is ok, but could have been so much better. They have everything they need: five talented musicians, the ability to write fantastic lyrics and melodies, and the passion to get things done. So why doesn't it translate so well in practice? There are some real signs of brilliance on 'Ghosts', but the overall generic sound of the album will see them hiding in the shadows of bands that do it so much better.

3/5

'Ghosts' EP by This Sudden Injury is available as a free download here.

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Blaise Ruston