I remember when Cane Hill was a blur amongst the names of hardcore bands trying to make it in the scene. Just another Rise Records band that blended in with the rest of their screaming, angsty counterparts. That was in 2015 when their debut EP came out and they were fresh faces in the music industry.
Now times are changing and Cane Hill is proving that their musical mastery sets them apart from anyone else in their genre. Kill The Sun is a brave, unexpected departure that gracefully demonstrates their soft, sensitive side.
The band references Alice In Chains as one of their primary music influences and that is extremely evident on this release. The songs are groovy, moody, and grungy but still hit heavy with some of their most painfully sincere lyrics to date.
Cane Hill continues to demonstrate more progression towards their unique musical identity and they never repeat history. The growth from their self-titled EP to Too Far Gone is astronomical. Kill The Sun is the next chapter and they are showing us what they are really capable of.
It is a bold choice when most heavy rock bands would never have the guts to release a fully acoustic, stripped down EP. It takes incredible musicianship to eliminate all of the frills and let the songs speak for themselves. The vocals are powerful and refined, the melodies are stunning, and everything works harmoniously.
Save Me is the most surprising tracks, with its piano driven instrumentals and tender vocals. The guitar solo kicks in and makes this a harmonious power ballad that will melt the hearts of soft rock fans.
86d - No Escort might be the stand-out track for me. The lyrics are cruel and compassionate at the same time. The juxtaposition makes it a thought provoking twist on the typical love song.
Kill The Sun and Acid Rain will become two of the essential tracks on my road trip playlist. They are perfect soundtracks for when you start reflecting too deeply on the ups and downs of your life during a long drive down a never-ending highway (at least that's how I envision it).
It is inspiring to witness a band experimenting with different facets of their sound instead of sticking to the same formula over and over. Each song on this EP has a distinct personality, making it an innovative and impressive departure from Cane Hill's usual heavy metal fare.
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