SIXTH of JULY - SIXTH of JULY

SIXTH of JULY

SIXTH of JULY
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Modern rockers, SIXTH of JULY, act more like progressive rockers but without the time shifts and general oddness. On their self-titled EP SIXTH of JULY they channel Pearl Jam and Kings of Leon, which I find personally satisfying. The subdued and rich timbre of the vocals mixed with chugging guitar and wide-open choruses that border anthem with revolt. Precise and heavy rhythms anchor melodic ballad passages accented with charisma. 

Each member brings to the table a different musical background and stylistic tendency. That’s when a band really discovers something powerful. In my experience, the more diversity and understanding a musician has the more they’re able to fit into a niche while paving a new way of thinking. It’s like commercial pioneering. Hey, you like this, but did you know you also like this? Yeah, didn’t think to try it that way did you? That’s the internal dialogue I imagine between artist and listener.

SIXTH of JULY don’t dwell on any certain aspect of their sound. The songs have distinct moments and discerning elements. For example, there’s minor key tension to up-tempo rock funk, ‘90s alternative to dramatic pop/rock and strings…just because they can. Not that it’s necessary, but I had trouble really finding a single amongst the bunch. “Explode” and “Wake Up” have an urgency to them that would make for a great soundtrack to a psychological thriller. “Waterfall” and “Easy” are both straight-ahead rock in nature while “Goodbye, Goodbye” plays like something out of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ songbook. “Untitled” is the token bonus track that shows a more intimate side of the band albeit short and sweet.

It can’t go without saying that SIXTH of JULY released this album on the sixth of July. That’s a solid marketing plan and something I hope carries through for these guys as they climb the ladder of success. This album shows a lot of growth and potential growth for a team of talented guys that don’t just want to rock, they want to leave their mark.

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