Four Letter Lie – What A Terrible Thing To Say

• 18th Feb 2008

Despite the world being overwhelmed of late by the amount of emerging metalcore and hardcore bands, Four Letter Lie have managed to stay a step apart with their own unique twist of edgy but addictive melodies, variating vocals and unorthodox style of playing.

I’m not sure the term ‘Scream’ Is the most appropriate but at least Its fair to say that there’s a substantial amount of something similar going on throughout most songs though. Its really not as bad as It sounds. Your immediate reaction might be that this isn’t for you but there most definitely is something within ‘What a terrible thing to say’ which will hit home in most people if you just listen long enough to find it.

A trend with these guys seems to be the techniques and dynamics they use in patterns during each track and as they will confirm themselves, they work as hard as they can, proving this with the confidence and expertise, which has gone into each and every song. Melodies shine through and the connections between drum and guitars are complex, they don’t seem to take the easy way around anything. Some random and unusual synth use, and blended with the main guitars, it’s different but works and adds an extra sparkle that others don’t seem to have…

‘Its coming this way’ Is the most hardcore song so far, being placed fourth In line but for those who do prefer the more hardcore style of music then this will probably be first on the playlist, and the more gentler track’s behind. However for me this album plays well from start to finish and the heavier tracks are welcomly paced.

Throughout each song the crunchier vocals are contradicted by a softer more polite side to the lead, and an enigmatic and chilling voice work’s through. Although Its clear to hear a likeness to other bands of this genre ‘A place called further’ and ‘Charlatan’ contain an edge often found In bands with more timely rock Influences like Avenge or 18 Vision’s, and they do rock. The latter being a worthy attempt at a ballad managing to be competent and not at all cheesy.
With Its moving lyrics, ‘I don’t speak to dead men’ could easily be a radio friendly favourite and one of the albums climaxes for me, packs a punch without making your eyes water.
If this album doesn’t arouse even a little intrigue, then pinch yourself, you must be dead.