Spearing Jocasta
Cassandra Complex
8.1
Now here is an interesting band with a just as interesting name. Spearing Jocasta manages to give reviewers a run for their money when trying to describe their sound. Originality is the first thing that comes to my mind when I listen to The Cassandra Complex. Taking elements from hardcore, metal, and emo, they combine all three fluidly and seamlessly. Although hardcore takes the crown above the rest, the metal influence remains and is done well, while they throw emotional parts into their music that never seem contrived or cheesy. With an upbeat sound and ferocity pouring out, Spearing Jocasta takes you on quite the ride through the seven songs offered. In a way I almost want to describe this as spastic, but that seems more like an insult then the compliment it should be. This band likes to jump around and lucky for them they do it well. Take for instance the song, “Breaking on the Wheel”. One moment you find yourself enveloped in a tough breakdown, then you ‘re hit with a rock/hardcore fast paced riff, only to be thrown into a slower more emotional part, after that back into hardcore and once again a tough breakdown ensues. Finally after being tossed around like a rag doll, the song finishes off with a beautifully downtrodden instrumental that feels dark and uplifting at the same time. Spearing Jocasta manages to create quite the album musically, but how is the singing you ask? At first I hated Kevin Shinkle’s voice, but after about two listens I opened up to it a bit more and found it growing on me with each listen. He combines a hardcore scream in the vein of A Static Lullaby or maybe even Silverstein, but a bit more aggressive with a clean voice that just plain stands out. It never sounds whiny or obnoxious, but instead very catchy and melodic. Spearing Jocasta is a band to keep your eyes on. With a debut this strong, I expect some very good things in the very near future with this band. The strong songwriting which lies in the heart of this band is what will keep them alive and spread their unique sound to the masses. If you dig hardcore, I highly recommend you check this out.
