3rd September 2024

Review: “Untethered” by Cober Mouth

“‘It’s an EP that explores the depths of human emotion and experience. Each track immerses listeners in themes of inner turmoil, personal battles, and the relentless quest for understanding and redemption.” ~ Adam Jones, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist

After arriving on the scene in 2019, Bristol based Nu-Metalcore quartet Cober Mouth took their time committing their creations to tape, instead building a reputation for a live show of chaotic Metal energy and groove soaked riffs with which they could batter you like stormy seas against the shoreline. Support slots with the likes of Lastelle, Osiah and Drip Fed Empire were followed by runs to the finals of Metal 2 The Masses and MicroDog competitions before a self titled debut album landed in 2023. That allowed Adam Jones (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Drums, Synths, Samples), Dylan Plenty (Drums, Vocals), Lewis Cunningham (Guitar, Vocals), and Sam Windsor (Bass, Synths, Samples, and Vocals) to express themselves further to a loyal fanbase but they wanted more. Would a sophomore EP have more maturity about it or would the band simply be older, wiser and more aggressive?

A single verse of inner rage fuelled violent turbulence serves as the title track and opening cut “Untethered” with the Bristol Nu-Metalcore merchants going from zero to extreme in 84 seconds. Jones sounds almost unhinged as the band punch holes through concrete walls around him with their sonic grenades before slipping into their groove gear with “Beneath The Hydrogen“. Hints at influences from bands like Dealer, Alpha Wolf and even Graphic Nature lay just beneath the surface during the punchy aggression of the first half the fade into more melodic climates a bold and brave move before the punch back. That moment of calm in shark infested waters is one which grows on you over repeated listens, building the anticipation for that final vicious verse with something a little more unhinged. It seems for Jones a straight jackets is waiting should he push the panic button with his choice of cathartic vent. The award for the longest title in the anthology goes to “They’re Only There For Their Food and Then They’re There For Their Food“, a track with distinctive KoRn flavour to it. Rap screams are accompanied by thunderous percussive battery from Dylan Plenty including some blasting and clever fills but it’s the chugged staccato riffs breaks that will have you in the pit, the band reaching and touching the void into Deathcore at points. Fearfully addictive, it’s a guilty pleasure with a nostalgic quality that will tickle the tastebuds of fans of the 90’s scene as much as the current one. Attacking in waves “All, I Created” is the gift that keeps giving. A haunting melodic introduction that paves the way for a chilling sing-a-long chorus is interspersed with punishing Nu-Metalcore verses that are nothing short of lethal. Jones rap screams reach a new level of insanity but it’s the contrast that captures the imagination. Joined by Liverpool rapper Blue Saint for the collaborative “Open! Shut…” which has more of a trip-hop orientation is an interesting way to finish the record. Allowing the band to focus on the aching melodies that reared its ugly heads earlier in the record means this one doesn’t have the instant gratification of the earlier cuts. Instead it offers another dimension and is a track that stands on its own two feet, growing in stature with each repeated listen. On this evidence there is a bright future out there for Cober Mouth; they just have to grasp it with both hands without burning themselves [7.5/10]