Under The Influence

“Kings & Cretins”

[Self-released]

If “political”, “anthem” and “underground” came to mind Under The Influence are that with an additional fighting spirit and a sound completely relevant to 2012.   

Taking influence from the mighty Enter Shikari and The King Blues with efforts from former Lostprophets and Funeral For A Friend producer Romesh Dodangoda this seven track mini album is an utter underdog.

A raw street-style atmosphere from five fresh faces that are evidently not short of talent, 4^th track S.O.P.A unleashes a unique blend of a strong rhythm coupled with delicate piano keys for the outro. The recognisable teen-angst and rebellion gives Kings & Cretins an edge. The rage and fury throughout the seven tracks is crystal clear with the highly catchy chorus in ‘Don’t Get Angry. Get Even’; You were my best friend/and now we barely even talk anymore/now we’re older/and it’s over/do you regret it all.

The sound from Under The Influence is big and they are fully charged with enough power to make anyone stop and not only hear but listen to exactly what they’re opposing. The quintet are peeved off but tracks like ‘Future Collide’ deserve a standing ovation. Sure they’re not going to change the world but they could be aligned with the big dogs such as Rise Against.

To describe the future stars in a nutshell; the experimental, metal meets rap bashing gang vocals and electronic samples with synths gives the five piece confidence this will see them far. ‘Vs The World’ is exciting and full of guts. Album titled track ‘Kings & Cretins’ is a track stomping and crashing the underground ready to take over what and who may be above them. It’s impressive, and this album is something expected from experimental veterans rather than a bunch from a place hardly even on the map. They’re going to get the seal of approval sooner rather than later.   

Closing the door with final track ‘Someone For A Day (No One For A Life Time) takes elements of Architects and Bring Me The Horizon in the bridge when the melody that screams pain and a feeling of desperate and loss flows across a slowed down instrumentation, the end result? A highly potential band seeming underrated. When bands are on a drastic rise to fame it’s empowering to know there’s a rock secret in the form of Under The Influence.

Their second mini album to date is out now, Under The Influence are currently on a UK tour and will be playing High Wycombe’s Scorpio on the 12^th October and Basingstoke’s Bang Bar the following night.