Drones - Our Hell Is Right Here
Having seen Drones described as punk and post-hardcore, neither description seems very accurate. This, the follow-up to 2018’s debut LP Exiled is, in large part, more metal than punk or post-hardcore.
Musically there is more Judas Priest, Savatage or Helloween than the Clash, Discharge or Fugazi about the likes of Please Vacate The Planet. Listen is a straight-up ballad. Learn borders on the more melodic end of mid-80s thrash. None of that is necessarily bad but it’s not my bag. On the other hand, there are some proper hardcore gang-vocal choruses, with Our Hell Is Right Here being the pick of them. Manipulate has a bit of Therapy? about it whilst Epitaph recalls hair metal legends Vain.
The guitars of Tom Thain and Tim Kramer are fast, heavy yet melodic. James Kerr (bass) and Mitchell Thomas (drums) rumble away in suitably powerful style. Lois McDougall’s vocals are mostly clean, clear and soaring, although she is also capable of a mean snarl.
Where this closest to punk or post-hardcore is in lyrics. Forged out of divorce, loss of a loved one, alcohol abuse and mental health battles, these aren’t exactly uplifting but are deeply personal.
Look, on record this isn’t entirely to my tastes but it is decent, Drones are clearly talented and passionate and I definitely want to see them live whenever that is allowed.
6/10
