The Mag – Review of ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory’ EP – 22/12/09
“Official Rating: ****. Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory EP may sound like a bit of a mouthful, but this record is the surprisingly good rock-out from Eastleigh’s finest, Broken Links. ‘Within Isolation’ is what Muse would sound like if they weren’t quite as ostentatious. It has all the elements there, the vocal, the subtle keys and the atmospheric rock sound, but it just isn’t as pretentious or complicated. Matching the EP title for lack of brevity, ‘The Best Laid Schemes Of Mice And Men’ is the bass-led sibling of the opener. It has a great beat that adds a splatter of Joy Division to the sound, but it follows on nicely and features a great chorus. ‘Colditz’ follows on nicely, with a scuzzed-out guitar sound before ‘The Sea Inside’ adds something a little different to the end of the record. This is a great rock record from Broken Links.”
New Reviews – Live Review @ Ryde Theatre, IOW 04/12/2009
“A great, fresh band from Southampton. We have two reviews from these lovely guys as we also have an E.P review, but we’re going to start you off with the live review! Broken Links were playing at The Venue on the Isle of Wight, along with Arcade Eden, Bright as Vegas and Floors and Walls…
First, what a strong vocal, although I was standing a little too close to a nearby speaker (I didn’t fancy being shook about a bit in the middle of the crowd) taking photos, but I know a strong band with a heavy bass line when I hear one! I was loving the guitar, and of course the drummer was giving it everything!
The guitarist played every note to perfection and sang his heart out, and its always nice to see a band earning some brownie points with the crowd by actually communicating! Bands that stand and don’t even say a friendly hello to begin with, or even introduce their tracks are not much fun…
It’s also always great seeing a band rock out such a venue! Whilst some party their heads off (Not literally, that could be messy), even those keeping out the busy crowd are enjoying the music!
I knew for certain at the time that ‘Oh way oh, way oh!’ would be in my head for the rest of the night, and I was proved right!
If you fancy listening to these guys for yourself, check out their myspace.”
Floatation Suite – Review of ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory – 30/11/09
“Now here is a decent rock outfit that I’ve certainly never heard of before, but one that even after the first track I am already expecting to hear more of soon. There is a great sea of rock bands out there at the moment but it does take a little extra something to really make it. Broken Links have got that something. A three-piece from the south of England they sound pretty lively. The sort of rock music that sets the pulse racing as your heart pounds against your ribcage.
Broken Links combine some cracking guitar riffs and thumping bass to create a powerful, visceral experience of dark and atmospheric alt/rock.They are certainly in the early days of their career as a band having only recently won the We Ignite Records 2009 Battle of the Bands and this is their first EP. It’s a shame there’s no more tracks on offer.
Within Isolation is definitely the stand-out track on this EP but the other three tracks are no less worthy of your time. Broken Links has already supported acts such as ‘British Sea Power’, ‘My Vitriol’, and ‘The Cinematics’ they could soon see themselves on a par with these well established acts. No doubt they are already developing a following of fans.”
Unpeeled.net – Review of ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory – 25/11/09
“The new New Order are very keen on reverberation. The bass clanks, spanks, fuzzes and sparks before dragging a tattered cloud of gorgeous rock debris in it’s wake and that’s the opener, “Within Isolation”. Another, while we’re here…. “The Best Laid Plans Of Mice & Men” is also a bass bossed beauty soooo firmly rooted in the darker, posher and smarter section of the eighties that it’s got the Cutting Crew corpse whirling like a good ‘un. Yeah, we’ll do more and they’ll do “Colditz” a totally gonzo throb-riff a go go race to a money shot with a demented drummer. There are more artistic pretensions, though and the choral and crackle of “The Sea Inside” works well, is a more contemporary direction and it’s maybe their escape route from the eighties?“
Daily Echo Article – 23rd November 2009
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Interview by Playing Out Loud: By Paul Lane – 6th October 2009
“With too many bands in Southampton all too willing to pigeonhole themselves in the safe confines of indie guitar world and limit themselves to smaller venues in the name of credibility, it is delightfully refreshing to hear the ambition of Eastleigh’s 3 piece alternative rock kings Broken Links. “We’re looking to tour Europe early next year,” states Mark Lawrence, the band’s immensely likeable singer, songwriter and guitar player. “Alternative rock is bigger in Europe. The likes of Placebo and Muse – the type of acts we look up to – are massive in countries like France and Germany. We would love to go over there, play live and build ourselves a fanbase.”
They have the tunes to match the ambition too. Their debut EP – the fabulously titled “Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory” – is essential listening. The rifferama of “Within Isolation” is a dark and menacing masterpiece whilst being strangely uplifting at the same time, “The Best Laid Schemes Of Mice & Men” is anthemic to say the least and “The Sea Inside” is possibly the creepiest and eeriest track you’ll hear anywhere whilst retaining a mesmerising sense of loveliness. However the band’s rapidly increasing fanbase do not share that view on the last track. “We’re banned from playing it live!!” laughs Mark. “Our fans tell us it’s too ‘girly’!”
The band formed in March 2008 after Mark’s previous band The Rebel Ching had split up. Friends since school, bass player Lewis Betteridge and drummer Phil Boulter completed the trio and the band practiced on and off over a period of months. “We had two albums worth of material before we played our first gig,” states Mark. That first gig was at The Joiners on 27th December last year. “We had 75 people there to see us!” the band beam.
Not only is the band’s ambition refreshing, their approach is too. “We don’t use amps. We use pods and floor pedals for vocal effects. We recorded the entire EP in Mark’s bedroom!” offers Phil. Listening to “Resisting Movement…”, it is difficult to believe. The EP captures the bands angst ridden and downright dirty live sound perfectly.
Counting Muse, My Virtiol and “Holy Bible” era Manic Street Preachers amongst their influences, the band have achieved milestone after milestone in lightning fast time. “We’re setting milestones all the time. First we wanted to play at the Eastleigh Festival, which we did this year,” enthuses Mark. “We then aimed to headline The Joiners and that happened a few weeks ago. We also recently played our first London gig. This has all happened a lot sooner than we could have reasonably expected.”
So what do the band make of the Southampton music scene? “We’ve always had good gigs in front of good crowds in Southampton,” offers Mark. “However Southampton needs a music scene built like it has been in Portsmouth. They have unsigned nights on every week there and they encourage people to come. There are more than enough good bands around. Science Of Eight Limbs, Jazica and Plastic Toys are all bands we’d like to play live with.”
Following their recent support slots with The Boxer Rebellion at The Joiners and a storming set at the most recent Angry Badger Records Showcase Night at Soul Cellar, the band have plenty more live dates coming up. With their startling rate of progress, it would be well worth catching them in the smaller venues while you can.
In the meantime, our European friends are certainly in for a treat!”
Gig Review by MintSouth: Broken Links @ The Joiners, Southampton – 23rd September 2009
“We arrive late for my first writing assignment. As someone more used to photographing gigs than writing about them, I feel naked without my camera. The first support act are Broken Links; they’re energetically thrashing their way through their final song as we come through the door. The band creates a powerful and engaging sound, the scale of which brings to mind some of the earlier work of Muse; a comparison regularly made, always favourably. I really can’t make too many statements on this trio on the basis of the half a song, so I’d like to direct those with an interest to Mike Spall’s review of a few weeks ago.
http://www.mintsouth.com/2009/09/review-broken-links-the-joiners/
I mean no disrespect, but as I watch front man Mark Lawrence hooting and wailing into the microphone, I can’t help but have the image of a riotous and exuberant chimp brought to mind; all that said, it’s a chimp with impeccable guitar technique, and he’s not thrown any poop yet. As Broken Links bent the limits of hearing in a triumphant conclusion, I surveyed the crowd……..”
Gig Review by MintSouth: Broken Links @ The Joiners, Southampton – 27th August 2009
“This is Broken Links biggest show to date. Headlining at The Joiners to an almost packed crowd of devoted fans and friends, they’ve even brought in a fantastic lighting rig especially for the occasion. However, whilst a good light show certainly adds to the occasion, they’ll never make a rubbish band sound good.
Thankfully for Broken Links, the lights serve their purpose fully and go some way to really making this young, new band come across as the awesome talent they so clearly are.
The slightly tinny sound of their demo is soon forgotten as the monstrous riffing, thunderous bass and clattering drums all collide to produce a rhythmic, pulsating sound-clash that gets my pulse racing. The smile on my face soon gets wider and wider. These guys sound immense! Capture this sound on record and they’ll do themselves a HUGE favour.
Lewis Betteridge and Phil Boulter are the bass player and drummer and they make an incredible rhythm section. No doubt, the able talents of Mike Breach working the Joiners mixing desk helps, but frankly, you can’t polish a turd. The sounds emanating from Betteridge’s bass are so huge they almost don’t need the P.A. and many drummers spend their whole lives just trying to get half this good.
Three pieces can often be let down by a lack of style and good choices from the guitar player, but thankfully, front man Mark Lawrence knows how to fill musical space superbly. A good use of choice effects and delays, without ever resorting to swamping the sound for the sake of it shows a sign of maturity too many younger bands lack. Unsigned bands shouldn’t be this professional. If they carry on this malarkey they might be in danger of getting a record deal!
If I had any criticisms to make of the band (and you know I do!), they still lack the killer vocal hooks that turn really good rock music into monster hits. Sure, they don’t have to drop creativity and individualism; they have worked hard to produce a sound, whilst reminiscent of bands like Muse, Therapy? etc, that is entirely their own. Nor do they need to start writing radio-friendly, twee choruses, but whilst I leave the gig blown away by everything else about the band, not one single song sticks in my head. When Broken Links start adding killer vocal lines (the vocalist is clearly capable of singing them) then they could well be unstoppable.
To see and hear what I’m raving about, see the band play live this month at the Joiners on the 23rd and the Soul Cellar on the 26th.”
Daily Echo Article – 28th August 2009
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MintSouth – Review of ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory – 02/08/09
“Therapy? were a pretty big bands in the 90’s, but their influence was undeniable. Broken Links do not specifically cite them as an influence and as a relatively new band (Broken Links formed in 2008) it could well be that they are not actually an influence at all! But, Therapy? are the band that instantly springs to mind on the opening tune of this 4-track EP. The fact the tune is called ‘Within Isolation’ and the band is also a 3-piece only adds to this comparison! Maybe they are just influenced by the same bands; Husker Du, Joy Division and other gothic tinged, new wave punk bands also come to mind throughout the CD.
And of course, the (seemingly) obligatory influence of Muse and QOTSA pops up in there as well! Anyway, enough comparisons with ‘other’ bands.
Their dark, brooding (almost as cliché as this review so far) sound is instantly engaging, only let down by a slightly weak production that does not do the tunes justice. The guitars are very thin sounding, there is little bottom-end and it could certainly benefit from a half-decent mastering job to boost the overall level. However, there is actually still a lot to like about the CD and as a taster of things to come it suggests the band might well have a lot more to offer. This is very apparent on third track ‘Colditz’, without doubt the best track here. An infectious guitar riff that makes me run excitedly for my air guitar. Fans of newer bands like Baddies would certainly love this one.
The other two tracks on the CD don’t really engage me though, the long-winded second track, ‘The Best Laid Schemes Of Mice and Men’ is a bit wishy-washy and could really benefit from a smash-hit chorus or some kind of hook that grabs my attention.
Last track ‘The Sea Inside’ is so Muse-like they’re lucky they don’t get sued! An acoustic ditty, saturated with ambient reverb and plenty of falsetto vocals. Maybe if the band had got their first, it’d be a masterpiece, but as it is, it is just too derivative.
Overall though, I am compelled to want to hear more. They certainly wouldn’t win any record contracts with this CD, but they have a good vibe to them and despite some obvious comparisons and (I assume) influences, they also manage to filter through a sound of their own. The band are playing live at the Joiners on the 28th August, headlining in fact, so I shall be there to see how they come across live. It is up to you now guys…
“
God Is In The TV – Review of ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory – 22/05/09
“Opening with an ominous chord that is soon joined by a equally ominous drum and then a violently strummed electric guitar, things get off to an interesting start on Within Isolation. Then the song actually starts and it’s kind of sub-Muse indie-rock. Whilst the following track The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men begins like classic late-80s U2 before going a bit Pop-era U2 and both of these jostling with The Music, whilst there’s a glumness to the lead-singer Mark Lawrence’s vocal that has a distinct whiff of 1980s New Romantic non-chalance. Whether this is a good thing I’m not sure, but it’s interesting at least.
Things become suitably grimy for Colditz though the Mark Lawrence now seems to be doing a blatant impression of either Nick Cave or Pete Burns from 80’s New Wavers Dead or Alive. It actually takes rather a lot away from the song in its distraction, unless of course the verses are being sung by an uncredited Cave. Last track The Sea Inside sees another change of course with scratchy, ragged production and Lawrence howling the lyrics desperately, it’s kind of like a rare uncovered B-Side from some tragic artist, but obviously doesn’t come with that cache to elevate it into instant poignancy and while it manages to be the most original thing on here, it’s not particularly astounding.
The problem with Southampton 3-piece Broken Links is that influences – intentional or otherwise – invade their work to the extent that they are eclipsing it and it becomes hard to really look at the band on their own merits. That they can quickly bring it mind these successful acts shows that they have a certain talent, at least, but until they can hone a more individual sound they may be left under the shadow.”
Exposure – Sunday 3 May 2009, Rubyz Bournemouth
“First up on the live stage upstairs were rockers from Southampton, BROKEN LINKS. This three-piece band did the rock world proud, with its two guitarists jamming away to a solid percussion beat, reverberating throughout the venue, and producing a sound reminiscent of ‘90s rock band Bush, or a slightly heavier Killers. At times I felt the vocals were drowned out by the instruments and some song’s percussion beats sounded too similar, but all was made well by the two guitarists – lead and bassist – who were able to make their guitars converse, not just talk!
A half hour set of original tracks saw this young band rock the crowd and demonstrate their talent and huge potential.
Broken Links recently took part in the “We Ignite Records” Battle of the Bands and came first in the second heat of this competition, sending them to the final, against three other bands, later this month. A huge accomplishment, so I would like to say, on behalf of the Unsigned Chart, well done and good luck to Broken Links!”
The News (Portsmouth) Article – 24th April 2009
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Daily Echo Article – 24th April 2009
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http://www.xan.co.uk/2009/04/review-broken-links-ep/
Monday 13th April 2009 @ Surface Unsigned, The Boston Music Rooms, London
Broken Links are a dark alternative 3-piece from the Southampton area. The music is a dark atmospheric mixture of Joy Division inspired vocals and the fast paced, intense riffs that show off a skill of technicality that is reminiscent of Muse. The music has a great live feel to it and carries the rhythms across channels of musical creativity, especially the use of FXs that create a sound, which is part visionary, part rock genius, all good music.
Hampshire Chronicle Review of Gig at The Talking Heads, Southampton – 26th February 2009
“EPIC is the sound that Broken Links are aiming for, which is easier to achieve in a stadium than a Hampshire pub. However, as part of the Red Stripe Music Awards Tour, they had a pretty good go at The Talking Heads in Southampton. They were buoyed by a large crowd, which seem to be drawn mainly from Eastleigh. Their trip down the A335 was not a wasted journey either, as their was plenty of good music on offer starting with Colditz, they impress with their catchy brand of powerful rock. Bag and Baggage and The Wrong Arm Of The Law also went down well, before finishing on Within Isolation. The crowd, which contained no shortage of supporters, certainly had fun, and their was even something bordering on a mosh pit at times. In that respect, maybe it was not so far removed from a stadium after all.“
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Red Stripe Music Award Judge Review of Gig at The Talking Heads, Southampton – 26th February 2009
“Next up was the big one. With a tremendous support and incredibly raucous following, local lads Broken Links, showed that they weren’t treating this gig like any other. Heavy guitar riffs and plenty of distortion came roaring from the amplifiers as the mosh pit began to take form. There were plenty of crazies in the pit and other onlookers were feeling the music passionately as Broken Links poured their hearts into their songs.”
Hampshire Chronicle Article – 26th February 2009
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Daily Echo Article – 23rd February 2009
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DigitalGig.co.uk Review of Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory EP
“A crunching guitar line and superb vocals herald in the first track of this blistering EP from Broken Links. The track ‘Within isolation’ has a soaring vocal line and uplifting chorus which is bound to stick in your head and have you humming it for days. The band combine the energy and infectious nature of their songs with dirty sounding bass lines which give a dark undertone to their music. The track ‘Colditz’ further cements this sound while ‘The Sea Inside’ is haunting with echo, crackle and ghostly backing vocals providing an emotional end to the EP. A great listen from Broken Links. “
Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory is available now from iTunes and Amazon.
