The Artillery ... or, "A Helping Hand."

I find myself compelled to help out some of the younger bands that I help book shows for by reviewing their CD, writing brief press quotes, bios etc. etc. Press releases. Whatever I can do to help. The Artillery are some good kids, who play a lot of shows, and overall bust their asses for their music. The bands debut CD Fear is In isn't groundbreaking by any stretch, but it is a solid first effort.

So I reviewed it for Decoy....

RIYL: Alesana; The Red Jumpsuit Aparatus; Underoath; Thrice

Fear is In is the debut EP from Austin, TX’s The Artillery. Ok, so they’ll tell you they’re from the suburb of Round Rock (home of Dell Computers) but outside of Austin, who cares? Culled from the same crop as such uber-popular acts as The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, LoveHateHero, From First to Last and Alesana, The Artillery are one of many bands trying to define their style and not get lost in the big league shuffle. Luckily these boys are young enough that redefinition (and the success contained therein) is still within sight. For now, Fear is In serves as a solid introduction to a band destined for bigger things.

“The Hunt” has a hook that digs in without a second to bear. But all too quickly The Artillery tarnish what shine they showed in those opening salvos by letting vocalist Dean Barry scream his little heart out. With such a sweet voice and strong sense of melody, Barry would do well to put the adolescent screams away and focus on his strength – the ability to belt out a panty-dropping melody.

Case in point: “Make it Reality.” What a classic pop song, written with far more maturity than these 19 year olds should be capable of. One listen to this track and it’s clear that The Artillery is just a few short steps away from radio takeover. “Tall Tale Night” is equally as impressive but at a slower tempo than where The Artillery’s strength lies. It’s the up-tempo, bordering on dancey numbers that allow The Artillery do what they do best – groove.



“Other Side” has hints of Thrice while “The Smell of Death” is prototypical screamo and hopefully a sign of the band’s past and not their future. It’s hard not to write about this band and simply make comparisons to other bands. The fact of the matter is they just haven’t done enough to set themselves apart from the vast number of other bands playing the same youthful and derivative style of pop punk.

Throughout Fear is In there’s a reoccurring theme of determination, strength through struggle, and an unwavering will to overcome all obstacles. “These tears may be made of blood,” Barry laments on “The Tempest.” “But that doesn’t mean give up.” More than just encouraging lyrics, these words double as the band’s personal philosophy, no doubt.

In a town that quickly swallows lesser artists, The Artillery has plenty of hype surrounding them and plenty of drive… driving them – two big things a band needs to make it out of this city alive. Now they just need one more thing every band destined to go places needs – a van.