Chaotix
Black Blood

Preston four-piece Chaotix released their four song EP, Black Blood, earlier on this month with their only marketing tactic being word of mouth. Currently one of the most exciting live bands in Lancashire, they’ve transfered some of their live energy well onto Black Blood. 

Holding no punches by opening with Sons Are Bitches, this is a brilliant introduction to what Chaotix do; riffs, a rhythm section that makes you want to move, lush layers, hooks and blood curdling screams. Sons Are Bitches shows off technical songwriting abilities that bands that have been together much longer cannot cope with, without ever losing the attention of the listener. This is a common trait of Chaotix.

Plight of the Navigator is next and, whilst unmistakably being the same band, features more singing instead of screaming which gives the song a haunted feel, especially with the backing vocals being screamed a little quieter than the moody singing. The song is a little bit less intense in comparison to the previous track yet still has you on edge. One thing that is noticeable is how well the EP has been mixed, with no instrument getting lost, and the bass cutting through beautifully.

Title track Black Blood is next and it feels more familiar to the previous track rather than the opener whilst not sounding alike. The instrumental 2 and a half minutes in is a highlight of the EP, and explodes into life perfectly with desperate screams adding an extra dimension to a superb track.

The EP ends with Sicko, a little bit more poppy compared to the previous tracks in a way that Dillinger Escape Plans Ire Works was more poppy compared to earlier works. It’s still technical and you can’t really sing along with it, but it has the hooks, riffs and melody that can get stuck in your head. A marvellous end to a fantastic EP.

You can name your price for the EP over at their Bandcamp page. This is a band that really needs to break out of Lancashire and onto the wider UK scene. There are plenty of bands that are producing middle of the road, bland music that are getting too much attention when bands like Chaotix actually deserve the attention.

8/10