Echo Scale™: ★★★★ (4.1)
In a music landscape often obsessed with the ‘next big thing,’ it’s refreshing to encounter a band dedicated to keeping a beloved sound alive and kicking. Enter neversound, a four-piece Alt Rock and Grunge outfit hailing from the rugged south of Devon, UK. With clear influences from titans like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, neversound isn’t just paying homage; they’re on a mission to prove that grunge didn’t wither away in the ’90s. Their debut EP, Saviour, promises to deliver a fresh, furious, and loud take on the genre, and for the most part, it absolutely delivers.
“Saviour”: The Titular Roar
The EP kicks off with its namesake, “Saviour,” and it’s an immediate descent into the familiar, murky depths of grunge. Starting with a deceptively clean intro, the track quickly unravels into a sound highly reminiscent of Alice in Chains, hitting that sweet spot for fans of the Seattle sound. The percussion here is a standout; a genuine nod to Grohl-esque fillspermeates the song, lending it undeniable grunge credibility. The guitar tones are equally commendable, showcasing a masterful command of the pedalboard to sculpt a truly thick, engaging sound.
Vocally, the performance is largely strong, embodying the genre’s raw essence with a genuinely cool delivery. However, a couple of fleeting moments—a rather shrill, out-of-place “Yeaaaaah” before the solo and a “Tryyyy” near the end—jar a little, momentarily pulling you out of the track’s otherwise immersive atmosphere. On the flip side, the bass player’s interaction with the guitarist is seamless, and his tone is deliciously fat, anchoring the track with a solid, resonant foundation. Despite these odd vocal choices, “Saviour” is a genuinely cool opening statement.
“Out of Mind”: Groovy Grunge Personified
Next up, “Out of Mind” proves that neversound has groove flowing through its very veins. The guitar tone, once again, is spot-on, maintaining a consistent sonic quality throughout the EP that any discerning guitarist will appreciate. This track boasts an intriguing pace, with a surprising number of dynamic shifts and moving parts for a grunge number, keeping things fresh and engaging.
Unfortunately, the aforementioned ‘glam rock shrill yell’ makes a brief return. While taste is subjective, this stylistic choice does tend to break the otherwise captivating flow of the song. That minor point aside, this is another really strong offering. The vocal tone is generally excellent, with every band member serving the song’s larger purpose. “Out of Mind” is brimming with the attitude, atmosphere, and sheer groove you crave from a compelling grunge track.
“Rust Covered Fences”: Bleak Brilliance (Echo Rebel Playlist Pick!)
If you’re a frequent reader of Echo Rebel, you’ll know we appreciate a grand finale, a track that truly leaves its mark. “Rust Covered Fences” opens with a behemoth of a riff that immediately signals that expectations will be met. For many, grunge is at its peak when it slows down, embracing a heavier, more guttural sound, and neversound has clearly got the memo.
This song is a real lesson in atmosphere: bleak, melancholic, and chillingly effective. Every member of the band converges to serve this mood, creating a cohesive and immersive sonic experience. The guitars, with their subtly dissonant touches, inject an element of unsettling creepiness that works to perfection. And throughout the entire EP, but particularly evident here, the drummer is locked in the pocket, providing a rock-solid, unwavering backbone. “Rust Covered Fences” is, without a doubt, the highlight song of the EP and has rightfully earned its place on the coveted Echo Rebel Playlist.
The Verdict: Grunge Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Evolving
In conclusion, if the raw, unpolished, and emotionally charged sound of grunge resonates with you, you will absolutely love Saviour. Is it groundbreaking innovation or a display of world-class technicality? No, but that’s not the point of grunge; it’s a genre that thrives on its rawness, its ability to encapsulate visceral emotions without needing a polished sheen.
neversound demonstrates real, tangible potential. Once the occasional Aerosmith-esque yells are tempered, this band has the chops and the compelling sound to go far. We at Echo Rebel will definitely be keeping a close eye on their trajectory and eagerly await their next release. Well done, Neversound!
