REVIEW. IVY'S ITCH --- ROSES

This is a 3 track EP from an Oxfordshire band of 2 boys and 2 girls.  It's primeval heavy metal music with thundering guitar riffs and powerful drumming which is overwhelmingly dominated by the vocal performances of Eliza Gregory.  Her ability to go from childlike croon to angry roar is reminiscent of some of Jessicka from Jack off Jill's performances or Tairrie B.'s full-throated screams.  It's quite unnerving to go from relatively melodic moments to a voice that seems to come from the bowels of Hell and reminds me of nothing less then Regan from The Exorcist.  The vocals are balanced by some accomplished musicianship that helps keep the songs focused as sheer slabs of overwhelming brutal power.  Admittedly this band will probably only appeal to a select audience but for those who like heavy metal music (in the truest sense of the word) with strong female vocals then this band should definitely scratch that itch and I think it will be interesting to see how they develop in the future.  (The more recent tracks on their My Space like Dear Sweet Aveline have more of an indie sound but with a wild desperation reminiscent of artists like PJ Harvey).

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN MAY 2008.