Versus is the first cross-continent collaboration between Tokyo Core-fusionists Roundtractionhill and UK Noisemiesters Reeko.
Produced, designed and released entirely independently, Versus contains the first 3 years of Roundtractionhill's existence combined with Reeko's second UK release 'Year ECAD.
While admittedly the production isn't fantastic (it is self produced) they express as stories, social observations as well as self observation. Lyrically poetic, meaningful and intertwined with muscial expression.
Japan's Roundtractionhill are an experiment in cross-culture made up of Japanese, British and Canadian members. Their own cultures muscial styles and muscial backgrounds meet to produce a mix of styles ranging from Rapcore, hardrock, nu metal and almost dare we say pop?
This matches the range of themes from social change, self understanding, identity, unity and mental liberation embraced lyrically, poetically and expressed emotionally through their own distinctive sound.
Each song establishes it's own character and in each song their is plenty to connect with on an emotional and intellectual level.
Reeko are established UK alternative Noisemiesters beginning as Punk but their style maturing into something brutal, pounding and thoughtful.
Again they're lyrical fresh and insightful and emotionally engaging.
Reeko's sound is solid, purposeful and unrelenting. Their joyous barrage of sonic prowess is combined with social commentaries and slef insights making not just an engaging sound but a thoughtful one.
Versus is 13 nutritious tracks in two distinctive tastes, fresh and unmistakable.
Both these bands are easy to digest, yet rich in flavour and it is one of those CDs in which you can play again and again and it grows on you rather than fades away.
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