Review: “Beneath The Sun” by Narrow Path

Wasting no time with introductions Narrow Path hit the ground running on “Beneath The Sun” with the lethal dose of American Hardcore that is “Dust“, the dark clouds overhead punctured by shafts of light in the form of old school Terror influences. A barked lyrical narrative about asking yourself if the blood, sweat and tears of this life are worth it before returning to the ground is one that resonates, as does the rhythmic battery that is of such quality it could easily see them get signed to a label like Flatspot Records. Throwing back to the 90’s Metallic Hardcore sound “Oasis” infuses almost tribal percussion parts with barbed riffs and early Biohazard vibes. A nostalgic quality to the sonic abrasions make this one instantly appealing but it’s the lyrical narrative and a tasteful old school style solo that will keep you coming back for more.

“Sand” feels like an ode to Sick Of It All with the addition of some backing vocals while the band match the urgency and intensity of the earlier cuts with consummate ease. It almost feels like this one has been built from the ground up for the live set with purposefully placed slightly longer instrumental parts to provide the opportunity for microphone grabs, stage dives and high fives. It’s a match made in heaven because the band are able to match that vision with the calibre and consistency of their material, “Valley” proving the point because its not the soft centre some may have predicted. An ode to the bands home in the Okanagan Valley with lines like “I carry the valley in my veins!” its catchy to the point of being addictive, the raw energy and razor sharp riffs bringing it home perfectly.

The funky bass led introduction to “Chasm” lets you know what time it is like a call to the mosh pit, the sixty one second affair the best possible primer for closer “Mirage” with more slick riffs and pummelling percussion. As for the closer, it has to be said it’s an absolute ripper front loaded with earworm riffs that you can’t get enough of, the fleeting lead parts adding another dimension in nuance. Sure, Narrow Path aren’t reinventing the wheel with “Beneath The Sun” but what they do they do so well that no one gives a flying… [8/10]