18th August 2024

Review: “Grey” by Drenched

The decision to bring in Mak Wilson on bass to allow Marc Mitchell to focus solely on vocals is cited as the turning point for Newcastle Alternative Metal quartet Drenched, having helped with both the writing and live performance aspects of the band. The quartet are rounded out by Callum Ter Morsche on guitar and backing vocals with Mike Essery on drums and having completed a series of live shows in the North of England and Scotland since making that decision it is vindicated by a debut EP in “Grey“. Citing influences in the likes of Deftones, Loathe and Tool they like nothing more than a blend of Nu-Metal, Gloom and Grunge…

An almost ethnic quality to the vibrant opening riff of “The Change” gives it the feel of a cut from “Make Yourself” era Incubus as it provides a fitting accompaniment to Mitchell’s soulful vocals before the drums and bass kick in and things get groovy. A clean and crisp drum sound with playful fills from Essery proves the backbone as the 90’s Nu-Metal vibes from the lyrical narrative are met with tinges of Progressive Metal to provide a melting pot of sound. It’s like the perfect blend of the bands influences but with more than enough of a life of its own. Mitchell then offers up a couple of harsher vocal moments that fit well, bolstering the feeling of unease before an early Deftones inspired finale that oozes class. Slowing things down with a rich melody, “Cycles” is a tale of a broken relationship with deep rooted American accenting from Mitchell as it plays out that has that instant sing-a-long quality. It’s hard not to get swept along in the tidal wave of emotion of the song simply because we’ve all walked a mile in those shoes. A cut with a little more aggression and urgency, “(in)sane” is the conjoined twin to the earlier track lyrically and finds Benjamin Michael Smith of Negatives making a guest vocal appearance. He’s the perfect counterpoint for Mitchell because he is able to offer that gut punch moment to the tune with his harsh capabilities. Coupled with an earworm riff and powerful percussion and you’ve got something with real bite on your hands. Reigning in the intensity just a little in order to create something with more of a smouldering edge to it, “Tonight” has Taproot vibes while offering up some interesting rhythmic gymnastics. Playing with light and shade alongside grit and integrity this one is surprisingly hard to fault, the question being how they move away from being a study of the influences they wear on their collective sleeves so well and create something more distinctly their own [7.5/10]

Track Listing