And again we’re dealing here with a band from the UK that describes itself as “melodic, post-hardcore screamo”. Didn’t we have enough of these kind of bands?! Apparently not… Anyway, Surrey-based Open The Skies recently signed with Rising Records to release their debut album Conspiracies. A very young band that “has the sound and the songs to cross all manner of genres”. Sure.

Although it must be said that Conspiracies comes with some good artwork, the record doesn’t deserve much positive feedback. The only other positive thing is the decent production, but that's it. From start 'til finish it is just some catchy shit, nothing more, nothing less. Josh McKeown makes the impression he definitely can sing. For that, he has to leave his screams and other gargled sounds out, ‘cause those are horrible. The other band members seem to be capable of making some decent music, as well. Unfortunately, they didn’t succeed in convincing me of their capabilities.

This genre lacks originality and this release of Open The Skies is proof of that statement. Okay, maybe they’ve done some original things on Conspiracies, but writing a boy band-like song called ‘Yours Faithfully’ is definitely not what is needed to give this genre the necessary extra boost.

How many bands will have to follow, before these acts realize they’re not impressing at all with their copycat-behavior? Hopefully not that many...