More frustrating than watching a stalemate game of football on a cold Saturday afternoon, Versus Goliath have smashed a shot into the back of the net only for it to be rightly ruled offside.
See the problem here is not so much the eloquent layers of guitars or subtly detuned fuzz.
In fact, even the slightly tinted and repetitive drums are not to blame for this feeling of slight dissatisfaction that accompanies this EP.
Unfortunately; there is an uncompromising gauntlet arising between Andrew Yules vocals and the rest of the semblance falling around him musically.
At first awkward, on second listen it becomes almost unbearable.
There are moments when the guitars build up to a breathtaking arms race of power and exquisiteness.
Tight and compact musicianship craft a safe haven of luscious soundtracks; that is, of course – until the vocals intertwine and slowly detract from the overall product.
There is simply an octave and empathy missing which would take Versus Goliath from pretenders to contenders.
Songs such as ‘Let Them Burn’ for example are packed full of potential, however, instead of climaxing into a wave of endorsing noise and frivolous embers; the song drifts off into a trudging mess devoid of ideas or direction.
The sound is strained and awkward; it reaches out for the epic and misses by quite a fair stretch.
Then, just when you are about to entirely write off Versus Goliath, they completely strangle you with EP closer ‘Winters Night’, which features fantastic dual vocals, rhythmic mathematical guitars and shimmering drumbeats.
All of a sudden, I can’t help but feel a little cheated that they saved the best for last.
Words: Chris Kelman
