Review by Joel Hargreaves

The first attempt at any project is a tough ask, with many chances to fail. It’s especially hard to create your debut EP in the music industry and to be able to set yourself apart from all the bands before you. It takes a very special kind of band that draws ideas from their influences and uses it to excel in their own musical territory.

A local Perth outfit, DAM FEW have found a perfect balance in their music and have crafted a strong debut EP tiled ‘The Bitter Beginning’. The first track, ‘Americide’ is by far the strongest song from the EP and gives listeners an ideal first impression of the band’s sound. ‘Americide’ takes time to build up and combines intelligent lyrics with soaring vocals. The song rebuilds itself through the second chorus only to be broken down again by a collection of audio clips during the bridge. The addition of these audio clips – which were taken from various speakers throughout history, reflecting the effects of war, further pushes the point of what this song’s about – the futility of war.

Their next track ‘Break’ starts off energetic, before flowing into a section of incredibly catchy riffs. This song is nowhere near as accomplished as ‘Americide’ but it does have an extremely well crafted guitar solo in the bridge. The bass guitar receives a good work out too as it thunders along throughout the whole song, while the use of clapping keeps the band’s unique little twists flowing.

‘Dining With the Jackals’ follows next and regains a lot of the catchiness the band displayed on the opener. This song is mostly upbeat throughout and manages to pull off an ending that shows the band’s ability to be tight with their musicianship.

The remaining songs on the EP do run together a little, with the exception of the track ‘This Life’. But by far, Dam Few’s first track is a definite stand out. It’s the one that gets straight into some seriously catchy singing. Featuring excellent harmonies and layered vocals, not to mention some killer drumming that seems to just drive this track and keep your feet tapping – ‘Amercide’ is definitely the catchiest song on the record.

Aside from some tracks that do tend to sound alike, overall this EP flows really well. Dam Few are a very talented young band whose tight musicianship and amazing vocals will no doubt help them hit the big time one day. ‘The Bitter Beginning’ is full of unique little surprises which keep the ears entertained. The strong ending of this EP really makes the band’s future seem all the more hopeful and exciting. A very strong attempt at a debut EP and even though the albums cover is terribly boring, the music is anything but.

MORE INTERVIEWS >>

MORE CD REVIEWS >>

MORE REVIEWS >>