Move To Strike - Iron Sharpens Iron

Move To Strike

Iron Sharpens Iron
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Move to Strike is an experienced alternative/hard rock band from the Adelaide foothills. Since they formed in 2005, Move to Strike has released two previous EP’s - Battlefield Postcards (2005), and Arms & Militaria (2010) and most recently they have released Iron Sharpens Iron, which we will be discussing today. Iron Sharpens Iron is a relatively short four-song EP that has pretty straightforward songs fans of bands like Dashboard Confessional and Jimmy Eat World will enjoy. One thing that is apparent from the songs is that the production is stellar. The guitars have a fantastic tone, the drums are powerful and vocals are clear and strong. 

The EP starts out with “Lost Our Voices,” which is a powerful yet catchy rock song. The guitars possess a warm distortion that isn't too harsh while the bass and drums provide a sufficient backbone for the vocals. When the vocalist sings he has a powerful presence not only because of his performance but the tasteful use of reverb throughout the song. This can't be better exemplified at the 2:30 mark in the song where he belts out a tremendous scream that sounds as if it is crossing valleys and hills.  As much as I liked this part I think the part that come after where there are multiple vocal harmonies and drums even tops that.

“Kitchen (Searchlight)” is carried by a strong bass line during the verse that also contains some strong lead guitar. The song doesn't break any barriers but is catchy enough to not disappoint. “Forgive Me” starts off with acoustic guitar and vocals before suddenly exploding with frantic drumming and distortion changing the entire feeling of the song. The vocalist sings “Forgive me, I was a fool to think / That it was better off livin’ a lie” with conviction as he stresses his vocal chords. The EP ends with the highlight of the album called “Last Man Standing.” It’s a rocker yet also the most nostalgic song on the EP. 

Iron Sharpens Iron has a certain type of audience that will gravitate towards it. It's accessible, often commercial sounding rock that doesn't venture too far off the beaten path but has some rewarding, visceral moments.

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