Out of Reach by Headswitcher
“Out of Rach” is Northampton's own noise complaint specialist Headswitcher’s debut EP, who being no strangers to making music the natural way, see their blend of 90s grunge, punk and alternative rock come to life in a five track memento of emotionally driven garage rock. Represented by brawny guitar riffs, unbridled rhythms and illicit vocals, the bands attempt to hit big and put themselves on the map with a definitive first release.
As soon as we open the door to the EP we’re hit by a rhythmic barricade of drums introducing us to Headswitchers fast paced and unrestrained style, influenced by the attitude and energy of punk it seems from the get go there’s not holding back. “No Time” takes no prisoners as it brings the listener to the forefront of what the band are all about and how they want to make you feel through its explosive nature and the magnitude of (lead singer) Kirk's aggression cutting through in his gritty vocal style and straight forward lyrical approach.
Leading perfectly into the EP’s title track, “Out of Reach” reads as a demonstration of Headswitch's songwriting capability and innovative look to their future. Reflected through the tension and release created between the songs verses and choruses both music and lyrics work in unison to portray the idea of inner conflict being tackled in the song's theme. We see the band's alt-rock influences flourish through the song as both guitar and drums work rhythmically in conjunction with each other, creating these monumental riffs that work as the driving force of the EP.
As we trudge through the middle were pulled through by “Alien”, Headswitcher’s attempt to keep momentum going which after such a chaotic start turns to be an arduous task. While not falling flat and working as a nice counterbalance to what we've already experienced, the third track, despite being a fan favorite, seems to drag and struggle to keep up with the speed the EP shot off with. Despite its ornate guitar solo that pushes us to the climax, “Alien” seems to lack the character its predecessors wore so well leading to a slight stagnation in the EP’s fluidity. This being said, as a stand alone this song is an alt-rock anthem, hence it being the most listened to song in their discography.
“…By Disassociation” ramps up the energy once more as we approach the final hill as a sense of anger rises between the unkempt rhythmic phrasing and resentful lyrical themes. Building to yet another conspicuous guitar solo we’re met by the overtly aggressive conclusion to “Out of Reach” through “Reprise,” playing the part of demolition squad in the EP’s epic conclusion. Working as a bombardment of all the emotion and energy built up throughout the whole EP, we’re left stunned by an amalgamation of everything that makes Headswitcher great thrown at us by the final song.
Although Headswitcher haven’t created anything groundbreaking with their debut release they seem to have established a well balanced sound that seems to find itself comfortably stretched across multiple genres of rock. It is altogether a great listen that does what it's meant to, (despite its slight stagnant middle) being an energetic stress relief and that you’d find yourself banging your head or moshing to on Download main stage. “Out or Reach” is the hopeful beginning of a promising young band who seem to have found their roots; ready to grow into something bigger than themselves.
