23/19 // Broken [EP Review]

Band: 23/19

Release: Broken EP

Area: Adelaide, Australia

Date of release: 17/2/18

Genre: Metalcore

Record Label: Independent

Mixed/ Mastered: Hugh Atkinson

For Fans Of: Gideon, Emmure, Shinto Katana

Next Gig: 3rd of March Supporting I, Valiance at the Bendigo Hotel

“Don’t take this the wrong way but I’d rather be alone forever, than spend another minute together”

Adelaide heavy hitters 23/19 caused some ripples in the water with their 2015 demo to then go on hiatus, the boys have been back at it for a while now and are starting to turn those past ripples into waves. With the announcement of their new EP"Broken", which lies towards the current heavier side of metalcore, bringing groove accompanied by crushing breakdowns at the forefront.

‘Heart Break Kid’, referred to as HBK and homage to attitude era great, WWE Superstar Shawn Micheals is the first track to hit your ears. Carrying on from their demo, the 23/19 sound they established stands out. The tone is similar in nature, the groove is there, and vocalist Nathan Stuckey’s unique voice plays out. Unexpectedly a melodic bridge hits around 1:40 in, this aids in conveying the message within the lyrics at this time. This is also a new approach for the band and having seen this song played live allows them to engage with fans in a sing a long moment.

Following on we have a track titled ‘Crucio’ a start to finish emotion filled, angry and heavy tune. The lyrics appear to be a reminiscence of a past toxic relationship, that many may be able to relate with whether it be from friendships or relationships. Again, this song is heavy and groovy from start to finish but the boys decided to chuck in a bit of a twist, with the song finishing on a drop tuned breakdown. This breakdown will divide some rooms in two as the spin kickers come to play, and I certainly wouldn’t want to be in their way when they do.

The middle of this 5 track is a slow and soothing interlude track titled ‘Nightlife’, the 1 minute song is so different from anything else on the EP.

'Broken' begins, the guitar rings out, a sound that brings nostalgia of the many hate5six videos watched over and over of "This Is Hardcore" sets. The intro riff kicks in and it’s right back to the heavy metalcore sound I’ve become accustomed to hearing from 23/19. Again, this song has a few chorus type parts that would be perfect for crowd involvement especially as the band thrives off having their lyrics yelled back at them. To me it’s evident as to why this song is the title track of the EP as it contains all elements that make 23/19 themselves, ‘Broken’ will be a fan favorite for sure, I can see it now.

Wrapping up the EP is the song ‘35th floor’, titled so as it was written while on the balcony of a room on a 35th floor stated guitarist Matthew Faulks. ‘35th floor’ drops the pace a little early on almost to hint that the EP is coming to an end, but in no way does the song lose it’s heavy or groovy edge. However, the song then picks up pace a little in the second half, a change that was unexpected but executed well only to slow and begin building up at about 3:00 minutes in for a breakdown to hit at 3:30. This breakdown accompanied by a sample ends not only the song but the EP well.

Ending the EP in this way made me personally want to reflect on lyrical content and revisit certain lines throughout (I also most definitely revisited those breakdowns). If you like being a pit ninja but don’t mind going back and reflecting on some unreleased feelings, then this is the EP for you. Maybe, I’m bias because of that Adelaide love, but that’s for you to decide, let us know your thoughts!

Itunes - Spotify

Vocals: 8/10

Guitars: 8/10

Bass: 7.5/10

Drums: 9/10

Lyrics: 4/5

Would You Go And See Them: 5/5

Mixing: 7/10

Production: 17/20

Structure: 15/20

Overall: 80/100

Personal Enjoyment: 9/10