The world of music is an amazing one. Some things change, some things don't and some things disappear and come back again. As an artist it is now possible to produce yourself as a deep-sea rock star without even having tipped your toe in the shallow end of your local pool. For most of us, rock 'n' roll is a vocation. It's about struggling through battles and coming out on top of the world covered in blood, sweat and the even the odd tear.

For those of us that play (or have played in) bands you expect to earn your place in rock 'n' roll by getting out there and working hard on the circuit. The produced audio package is secondary. Of course we want it! But what we want more is to be playing. I for one, love being in the studio, but what I dream of is being out there. Yes, even if the promoter has fucked off and the sound guy is the biggest cunt on the planet. The live scene can, at times, really fucking suck, but at least there are your brothers (or sisters) sharing the laughs that you will undeniably have later, even over the worst situations. With the possibility to produce music now more accessible than ever (and I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing) it is not only the likes of Milli Vanilli that promote studio production over live encounter. Here for example is Below The Fall, the "new kids on the block [who] haven't even gigged yet, but have recorded two awesome tracks." Would you be promoting that on your release notes?

Now ok, a demo helps I know. Maybe I am being a bit harsh. And once again I am working on my own opinion here. But when I look at a (I must admit) well produced CD cardboard sleeve with a professionally printed disc, released by the Witch Hunter record company, I expect this to be a band with some considerable experience. But then it is amazing what you can do when you spend a little money these days.

Normally I would always consider the music first before writing any background on the release. But then, I would expect such a professional release to be backed up by a band that had some live experience. Call me an old romantic but I like to go on a date with a girl before she's lucky enough to get a hammering, and I like to play live with a band before we start selling sweet music. No real offence is meant here, and I thoroughly believe the decisions you make are your own. But when you are asked to consider something, you must write what you consider. However, whatever I think on the processes of this band, the music is what tells in the end.

To match the impressive aesthetics of the packaging is some tight production of the music. The heavy crisp riffing on the guitars is complimented well with the emotive vocals. The vocal harmonies, although obviously lending itself well to this epic style of heavy arrangement also carry with them a little of that frustrated power of Roland Orzabel of Tears For Fears. I'm not sure that the Fall's frontman Dan Hunter would be aware of this, but it works nonetheless.

Both tracks on this EP are accomplished rock songs played with strong technical ability on all fronts, highlighting areas of the bands they claim influence from, such as Deftones and Hundred Reasons. Both songs tear through powerfully without playing out for too long and outstaying their welcome. If you like powerful, epic and emotive rock, then no doubt you will find something to chew on here. It is not for me to decide on their ethics, that's down to them and their audience. Visit their professionally crafted website or Myspace to stream the EP. Or if you're feeling flush you can even download or buy a copy for a small fee.

www.belowthefall.com