Album Review

Lay It On The Line – Vigilance EP

• 25th Oct 2013

The up and coming London act Lay It On The Line have released another EP, and this one is dirty. It’s gritty, hard, and above all, punk. Clocking in at 13 minutes, the 4 track effort showcases the talent that Lay It On The Line have, and they’re willing to let everyone know this.

The interesting thing about this EP is the concept behind it. The four songs herein are about George Hutchinson, the witness who came forward about the disappearance and death of Mary Jane Kelly in 1888 – the final victim of Jack the Ripper. The lyrics, specifically in ‘…And That Photo Made Me Ill’, are so driven in their thought and direction that this really is a dirty, gritty EP. “You say you saw him again / Two days after her death / On Petticoat Lane” opens the third track as it envelopes the feelings and emotions rushing through Hutchinson’s body.

Opening with ‘Condemned (Parts One and Two)’, a voice over intro leads the way for a third of the song as the instruments take affect underneath, before vocalist Mike Scott takes over vocal duties. This is followed by ‘Petticoat Lane’, a track which shows that the band know how to compliment each other well on what may be the best song of the EP.

The musicianship of this 4 piece act is something to behold. Their unique brand of screamo is heightened by their use and blend of hardcore and melody. This is most evident in the final track, ‘You Little Ripper’, but in the EP as a whole.

Lay It On The Line have been doing the rounds since early 2012, and are certainly one to keep an eye out for. If this release shows us anything, it is the promise that this band holds for what is next on the horizon, as it is tough to find a 4 track EP as engrossing as this. Available as a pay-what-you-want download on the band’s BandCamp, make sure you grab this and get involved with what could very well be your next favourite band.

Tracklist:
Condemned (Parts 1 and 2)
Petticoat Lane
…And That Photo Made Me Feel Ill
You Little Ripper

Download: The Entire EP

The Vigilance EP can be downloaded from Lay It On The Line’s bandcamp, here: http://layitontheline.bandcamp.com/album/vigilance
The band have their release show tonight at The Garage in Camden, tickets are available here: http://mamacolive.com/thegarage/listings/upcoming-events/14416/lay-it-on-the-line-elephantis-darko-circle-of-rage/

Venue: Vigilance EP
Support Band: Lockjaw Records