Dominion - Review of ‘Prototypes::Cause+Effect’ EP – 03/08/2011
“Broken Links might not overtly use the “Gothic” tag, but as an alternative band that take their inspirations from new wave, post-punk and industrial they have more than enough credentials to appeal to the goth crowd.
Their new self-released offering, ‘Prototypes::Cause+Effect’, builds on their last EP nicely displaying the same catchy song writing and a slick and professional approach throughout. Which again begs the question as to why this Eastleigh-based three-piece is still unsigned?
Big choruses, seductive synths and gritty guitar riffs recall the likes of Killing Joke, Joy Division, Nine Inch Nails, The Chameleons and The Manic Street Preachers throughout. The sing-a-long- dark-indie of opener ‘Electrik’ and ‘We’re All Paranoid’ provide the EP with it’s most accessible moments early on. The EP then moves into artier waters with the claustrophobic NIN-esque instrumental ‘A Memory Of Home’, before exploring the band’s rawer punk side with ‘Cherno’. The EPs biggest selling point however, is the near eight-minute finale ‘Substitute Yourself’ which elegantly exorcises the spirits of Killing Joke and Joy Division with sumptuous synths, brooding vocals and sinister guitars.
The EP is very well produced and each track feels like it has been given all the time and attention it has needed to fully develop. Given the right deal Broken Links could easily follow in the footsteps of the likes of The Horrors, Editors and Interpol in terms of mainstream clout, while still keeping their underground appeal.
[4/5]“
New Reviews - Review of ‘Prototypes::Cause+Effect’ EP – 30/05/2011
“Broken Links are on top form with their latest release ‘Prototypes::Cause+Effect’ a dark and dangerous five track EP that stretches their heavy alternative style to the max.
Strap in, and lets take a ride to the dark side.
‘Electrik’ is a brilliant introduction to the EP, kicking out that head-spinning buzz you might find in albums produced by the likes of Gary Numan or Nine Inch Nails. Heavy, mysteriously-fantastic music. There are some things you just can’t put your finger on, whatever it may be. But in this case you just know what it is that makes this EP so fu**ing cool. With drums that will have your whole body on the move mixed so vigorously into a whirpool of guitars, you have an instant favourite. Just add
watervocals and stir.After nearly six minutes of heavy rock to tickle your musical tastebuds, the rest of this EP is more than satisfying. More than overwhelming. More than anything in fact. ‘We’re All Paranoid’ follows on very neatly, releasing a little more heavy-rocked-magic out, and into your ears. As a band, Broken Links are not rated high enough. They have so much tucked up their sleeves to blow you away with. ‘A Memory Of Home’ definitely has that NIN feel to it. The way it rings out will absorb itself into your mind. Gradual, subtle but ready to explode at any given moment. Whilst its calm, eery flow glides along, a remix of this track would definitely be interesting.
‘Cherno’ picks the pace back up where ‘We’re All Paranoid‘ left off, with a heavy industrial urgency that sees these three young men from Eastleigh make a permanent dent in the current music scene. They have that certain spark that will make you go nuts and sing along until your head falls off.
But as the EP comes to a close, and with your head still intact (we hope) there is more to enjoy with their last musical treat ‘Substitute Yourself’. With a slim underlay of Placebo, they take “alternative rock” to a whole new level. Prepare yourself to chant along, because these guys are going nowhere and need your faces in the front row.“
Unplug The Jukebox - Review of ‘Prototypes::Cause+Effect’ EP – 05/2011
“Last year the South Coast’s undisputed kings of alternative rock Broken Links released their second EP”The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay” which was easily one of the most exhilarating listens of 2010, and any other year come to think of it.
So it is perhaps understandable that I was extremely excited and optimistic when it came to treating my ears to their third effort – “Prototypes::Cause + Effect” – for the first time.
Kicking off with the lead single from the EP – “Electrik” – we are eased into “Prototype…” with a sea of synths which briefly makes you think that we could be in for a slightly lighter and more poppier sound than the intense onslaught that the band have unleashed on their previous EPs. However, this is not the case and before long we are in familiar territory. The fuzzy bass, soaring vocals, an epic chorus, stinging guitar solos and intensity by the shedload all come together to make the type of anthem that we’ve come to expect from the trio.
“We’re All Paranoid” carries on from what “Electrik” perhaps promised to be. It is more commercial and is arguably the most radio friendly moment on the EP. Not that it turns its back on all the things that make Broken Links such a phenomenal band. Oh no. The climax to this song is an adrenaline rush, building slowly to a crashing crescendo.
What comes next is argubly the strangest – certainly the bravest – move of the EP? Atmospheric and eerie instrumental “A Memory Of Home” slows things right down just as we’re getting going. It seems a little bit out of place upon first listen. As a track itself, it is fine and works well. Yet within a five track EP, it seems a wee bit of a luxury.
“The Fine Line….” ended with another instrumental track – “In Your Headlight” -and this worked really well. Perhaps “A Memory Of Home” would have worked better as the closer to “Prototype…”?
Next is “Cherno” which lacks the punch of other Broken Links tracks. Maybe – like the majority of Broken Links tracks – it will need a few listens before doing itself justice?
Thankfully the band save the very best for last. “Substitute Yourself” is eight minutes of epic, alternative rock of the darkest kind. It is an absolute treat and the sound of a band at the peak of their powers. Introducing itself with 1980s gothic synths and drum machines, Mark Lawrence’s solemn and understated vocals bring the song subtly. It builds and builds from being relatively stark (by Broken Links’ standards!) into a wall of furious guitars and echoey vocals.
The song’s climax is fantastic. Dramatic strings at to the effect perfectly and we’ve gone from a weary, understated start to a full on, angry yet defiant finish. If it isn’t their best, this is definitely one of Broken Links’ best moments yet.
Given that their first two EPs along with their live performances are of such a high standard, it is possible that Broken Links could have become victims of their own brilliance here. I could easily have been disappointed with “Prototypes…”. Far from it. Much like “Resisting Movement & The Almost Advisory” and “The Fine Line….”, this third EP from the band will get better with each listen. It is reassuring to know that the band’s quality control remains so high and they have yet more great material to add to their already impressive live shows.
A great band just got greater….”
Hampshire Chronicle - Preview of ‘Prototypes::Cause+Effect’ EP at Launch Gig – 5th May 2011
Tasty Fanzine - Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 06/2010
“EP Rating: 8/10
So then, Broken Links. A trio of intense young men with a love of all things grungy and synthy. Opener, ‘Reinvent’ manages to sound familiar without sounding like any other band in particular. Its a powerful and earnest rock song but one with some sort of fairy dust sprinkled on top. Its got some gloriously murky fuzz bass on it too.
Not a single song on this record clocks in at under under 5 mins. You get the song proper and then a Kraftwerk style synth workout for a few minutes before the next one. Its a bit odd at first, this rock song/ electro wig out format – like two separate bands mixed together like a marble cake – but as the record goes on you start to get used to it. Anyone whos heard ‘Infernal Love’ by Therapy? and it’s weird between-song interludes will get the deal. Maybe they’d be better if the two separate elements weren’t so clearly delineated and they worked some of the more ambient, electronic side into the songs, but its still an interesting touch.
There are a lot of bands out there doing this sort of vaguely angsty, slightly post-punky, ‘just a dash of goth’ style indie, but Broken Links seem to be to be more than just a cheap Ian Curtis impression. Theres no lack of Choruses either. ‘What are you waiting for?’ is a fist-pumping anthem, and two or three of the other tracks could make decent singles.
Its a testament to his band that they seem to tread the line between pop and experimentation without making any compromise to one or the other. Imagine if Editors, Interpol, White Lies etc were actually proper rock bands and you’d have Broken Links. Definitely one to keep an eye on.”
Entertainment Focus - Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 30/04/2010
“Broken Links are a three-piece band from Southampton. Following their debut Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory is their brand new EP The Fine Line Between Choice / Decay. EF had a listen and here are our thoughts.
Broken Links explode in your ears with their anthem-like guitar melodies and heavy bass. Reinvent is a great start to the bands EP with it’s progressive sound that keeps on getting bigger and bigger. Then as you listen a little longer you realise that this isn’t another three minute long sample of a song but a full on seven minute work that doesn’t get boring. Broken Links have added enough twists and turns and tweaks to Reinvent so that it remains refreshing throughout.
Another track and its another heavy bass-line shaping the song. What Are You Waiting For might not sound original but it really is worth a listen as it progresses into adding more guitar-riffs and other melodies. Also if you are patient you will discover a really long electro infused outro.
Shelter Your Loss is quite anthem-like and has a brilliant chorus at its core. Expect to hear lots of guitars.
Therapy Sessions In The Dark is one of the finest things on this EP and should really be the leading track. This is alt-rock at its best. With a heavy bass Broken Links seem to be fans of and rough guitar- riffs this is quite good indeed.
Then when you think you heard your favorite track on this EP comes Choice/Decay. Kicking-off slow the song seems to be teasing you just before it gets to the chorus and gets you sucked into it. With an infectious guitar melody this is a track that needs to be paid a lot of attention to.
Broken Links are on their way to become one of our favorite bands of this year. The Fine Line Between Choice / Decay is a brilliant follow-up to Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory and we can hardly wait to hear an album. How can a three piece be so loud? It doesn’t matter as long as you can enjoy it.“
The Music Fix – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 26/04/2010
“If you’ve heard Broken Links’ debut EP ‘Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory’ that was released earlier this year, then you already know what to expect from their second effort. Crunching industrial guitars? Check. Heavy bass? Check. A sound that flirts with stadium rock but ends up sleeping with dark and dirty rock? Check. Even if that above checklist appeals to you, be warned that this six-track EP lasts a whopping 41 minutes meaning it may test the casual listeners but for those willing to go along for the ride, every minute is glorious.“
Thom Curtis – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 17/04/2010
“EP Rating: 4.5/5
Six tracks spanning 41 minutes… Whatever next? But what is even more interesting, is that all six tracks flow into one another perfectly. This is essentially one 41 minute masterpiece. It’s modern rock, with huge soaring riffs and a thick dirty bass. The Southampton three-piece have really pulled out all the stops on this EP, and I’m excited to say I’m enjoying myself a great deal. For a three piece, it’s a really big sound. Although some tracks, such as the fantastic “What Are You Waiting For?” have a slightly indie The Enemy/Sunshine Underground/White Lies sound about them, the overall sound is general rock. You know, like Foo Fighters are. Although these guys don’t sound like Foo Fighters. And then there is a part of me that thinks Elliot Minor could have made music like this if they’d chosen a different direction, but I can’t quite put my finger on what is making me feel that. Part of the beauty of this EP is all the other stuff going on in the background beyond the initial vocal guitar bass drum line-up. The atmospheric hums and drones in the undertones and the indistinguishable sounds drowned in various effects that make up all the bridges between tracks. “Shelter Your Loss” is another highlight track, as is “In Your Headlights,” an instrumental that sounds like an Oceansize/Biffy collaboration, which closes the album. I like this; a lot.“
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Xtaster – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 04/2010
“EP Rating: 4/5
From great Americana to Rule Britannia – Broken Links are fresh (formed in 2008) and from Southampton. Their sound is deeply involving and leads you on a journey away from the usual strains of modern rock acts; whereas most will play on an emotion or a fear that lies seated into the fabric of society (love, greed, etc) Broken Links had an effect on this reviewer that I can only describe as being “glamoured”, like a vampire does before it sires its victim. A truly captivating group guaranteed to have a loyal and solid fan base for years to come.“
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Playing Out Loud – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 1st April 2010. By Paul Lane
“Upon listening to their first EP “Resisting Movement & The Almost Advisory”, it was clear to that Broken Links were ambitious. The menacing brand of epic alternative rock that the EP was made up of was raw yet polished, epic but never self indulgent. This was backed up by gigs that were as much about the light shows and the band’s image as they were about the songs. Indeed Broken Links seemed hell bent on making it known that they were not intent on solely relying on playing the local circuit in the hope of getting a lucky break. Here was a band that were already bordering on being the complete package and would do all they possibly could to make that next big step.
The ambition of that first EP meant that they had instantly set their own bar particularly high, hence why the cocktail of excitement and intrigue with which “The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay” is approached is also at sky high levels.
It must be said that the fuzz bass led “Reinvent” begins in a slightly ploddy fashion before exploding into life. The chorus reveals this to be a stadium sized rock anthem that crashes through the speakers in a thoroughly abrupt and uncompromising manner. “What Are You Waiting For?” confirms what we knew already about Broken Links. These boys know how to build a song up before hitting you where it hurts with a colossal chorus. The lyrics are typically angst ridden with the riffs being clinical. This is fantastic rock music that sparks off that something within you, making you want to headbutt the nearest wall again and again and again. ALL rock music should make you want to do that!
“Shelter Your Loss” showcases the band’s gift of being able to make dark, epic, alternative rock both melancholic and uplifting at the same time. “Therapy Sessions In The Dark” is a big industrial tune which is maybe the oddest thing they have made so far. It is suitably creepy before launching into that trademark, gargantuan chorus. The marching drums and slow build up of “Choice/Decay” are followed by the EP’s climax, a brooding instrumental which has been the opener for a lot of the band’s live shows, “In Your Headlights.”
Mark Lawrence’s distinctive vocals are developing at the same rate of knots as his band’s development into a truly great band. The ambition of the EP is evident by the wide range of influences here. The 42 minutes of non-stop music would suggest that the band’s collections include the likes of Muse, Gary Numan, Nine Inch Nails, early Manic Street Preachers and Kraftwerk. Also the immensely brave step of filling the gaps between the individual tracks with eerie, synth drenched instrumentals shows that the band clearly had a great time putting the EP together. There is the feeling similar to the excitement that a small child feels when going into a sweet shop here. The trio have clearly just let go of their inhibitions completely and have let the ideas flow.
With the band currently touring Germany before the EP launch at The Joiners on 24th April, this is the beginning of the next chapter for Broken Links, the chapter that may well see them move from “promising local band” to the Next Big Thing on a national scale.“
Loud Horizon – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 03/2010
“EP Rating 7.5/10
BROKEN LINKS are a three-piece band… though you certainly wouldn’t think so from the depth of sound they produce! This is the second EP release from the Eastleigh, Southampton based band, and though seemingly heavily influence by the 80′s sound of the likes of Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and the lighter side of some ‘industrial’ bands from that era, they somehow still retain a current feel.
Although they comprise only a guitar, bass and drums, the diligent use of effects pedals at times give them the feel and sound of a more ‘electronica’ influenced band. However, coupled with some searing guitar work, big vocals and dramatic backing, they manage to steer clear of the slightly sickly sound of bands such as Shiny Toy Guns. If anything, the sound they generate would be more akin to that of Muse… not a bad act to follow! (From a commercial and not personal point of view, I have to add!)
The pace throughout the first four tracks is fast and furious, although title track ‘Choice /Decay’ pares back a little and the closing number ‘In Your Headlights’ is a mid-paced instrumental with some atmospheric and haunting backing to a deep, growling bass line and shrill rhythmic and looped guitar riff.
It’s altogether a heady and impressive fusion of electronica and industrial music backed with huge anthemic vocals – especially so in ‘Shelter Your Loss’ where the chorus has that powerful sound favoured by some of the current crop of pop-punk bands.
The six tracks last a total of almost forty-two minutes although with pretty much every song breaking down to a slow, atmospheric but seemingly unrelated final minute or so, they could stand accused of slightly overstaying their welcome.
However, if you’re in to BIG and LOUD music, this is definitely worth a listen.“
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MintSouth.co.uk – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 22 March 2010. By Julian Aplin
“I have been lucky enough to be able to work with some of my favourite South Coast bands but there are three I would try to court if I had slightly more time and enjoyed the thrill of the chase, one of them will be joining us soon, one I have no hope of landing and the third…. Well that would be Broken Links.
Since listening to their first EP ’Resisting Movement And The Almost Advisory’ last year I have been drawn to their brooding, epic indie rock and their live show really brought the songs to life so it was with much expectation that I received the brand new EP ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’.
It has to be noted from the start, and this is to their credit, that this is an EP, not a collection of individual tracks but a structured and planned collection.
Running in at just under 42 minutes for only 6 tracks is a brave move in this ADD, download climate in which we find ourselves living in today. There are no 3 minute wonders here, the whole EP finds each track bleeding into the next but never feeling like it is one long dirge, far from it, this feels like a journey you have been invited on and willingly take. Sure there are tracks that could easily be top and tailed to create a radio friendly single, but this would destroy some of the beauty of this CD.
Opening with ‘Reinvent’ with its’ Muse-esque fuzz bass led rhythm it is clear from the start that Broken Links are aiming high. ‘What You Waiting For?’ oozes with dark menace, building to the kind of climatic chorus that will have any crowd bouncing gleefully along when this is rolled out for the live shows. Neatly leading into ‘Shelter Your Loss’ is a nod to Kraftwerk’s The Model, again showing the range of influences these boys wield with ease.
‘Therapy Sessions In The Dark’ with its’ Rammstein meets NIN industrial groove shows the band have an ear for the unusual but the cerebral grind of the verse is countered by the soaring chorus and herein lies the overall strength of the EP, there are hooks a plenty throughout and Mark is becoming a very exciting vocalist, it is easy with rock to think that shouting will suffice, but Mark knows when to hold back and this goes to create a thoroughly exhilarating EP.
Broken Links are fast developing their own unique brand of alternative rock, building from where they left off with their debut and honing not just their sound, but a strong image and live show too. The tunes are bigger, stronger and better produced than the first EP and on the evidence of this, Broken Links will not be just your ‘local’ rock band much longer.
‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ is released on the 26th April and they will be hosting an EP Launch at The Joiners on the 24th April.“
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AllGigs.co.uk – Review of ‘The Fine Line Between Choice/Decay’ EP – 10 March 2010
“EP Rating: 5/5
…we live in Broken Britain and now this slab of electro-rock is up for judgement.
Thankfully the 6-track EP, which has more material on than some albums I’ve heard recently, needs no fixing and this young band has conjured up a sound which is distinctive and yet at the same time has an air of familiarity about it.
‘Reinvent is a confident opener – all grinding, industrial guitars and sparse, pounding drums with a synth sound that could’ve come from Depeche Mode had they jumped into bed with Muse. We’re in anthemic (yes I know it’s not a real word) mode again on ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ which ends with an apparent homage to Gary Newman – these boys like their 80′s influences.
Volume levels are cranked up a notch or two on ‘Shelter Your Loss’ and yet again on ‘Therapy Sessions In The Dark’ which carry some fairly dark lyrics – is it that bad living in Hampshire? One of the most impressive things about them is that they are not afraid to let the music run its course – there are no 3 minute songs here!
Vocalist Mark Lawrence has a powerful set of lungs which he needs to push himself past the wall of sound and don’t expect to hear anything gentle contained within the CD, especially on the instrumental closer ‘In Your Headlights’.
A work of quality stadium rock and on this evidence Broken Links just might get to play in a few.
‘The Fine Line Between Choice / Decay’ by Broken Links is released [on] BL Records and is out April 26 [2010].
Adrian Phillips”
Rock Pulse Music Zine – Review of ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory’ EP – 29/12/09
“Pulsating, ominous layers of ambience and ear rending walls of guitar are the order of the day on ‘Resisting Movement and the Almost Advisory’, debut EP from Southampton based trio Broken Links. A mature and darkly hewn work, these four tracks evoke a line of esteemed musical miserabilists from Joy Division and Radiohead to Nine Inch Nails and Muse, with the chinks of light that occasionally break through the gloom all the more effective in contrast to the general atmosphere of repression and menace. Lewis Betteridge’s grimy bass lines form the backbone of these compositions, ‘Colditz’ coming across like a rocked up, turbocharged Interpol, while the mournful ‘The Sea Inside’ provides a suitably downbeat conclusion to proceedings. Promising to deliver an intense live show, Broken Links are yet another promising act to emerge on our shores, and though ‘Resisting Movement…’ is little more than a taster in duration and recording quality (the EP was actually recorded in vocalist/guitarist Mark Lawrence’s bedroom, so is rather lo-fi in parts), it nevertheless raises interest as to where the band take themselves in the future. Definitely worth some investigation for admirers of the aforementioned acts. “
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.”
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?“
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…“
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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.”
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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.