Spylacopa

Spylacopa EP

[4/5]

Spylacopa (“apocalypse” spelled backward, minus the “e” which is silent anyway) is a supergroup of sorts, if noisy post-hardcore art-rock is the center of your world. Started by Candiria’s Dan LaMacchia, this EP features the Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato and Julie Christmas of Made Out Of Babies, as well as Isis bassist Jeff Caxide. Opening track “Haunting A Ghost” is a rip-roaring assault reminiscent of Dillinger and mid-period Cave In, and “Bloodletting” showcases a typically unnerving vocal performance from Christmas. The third number, “Together We Become Forever,” is a piano-driven instrumental seemingly designed to soundtrack a dystopian sci-fi movie’s one bittersweet love scene (think Deckard/Rachel in Blade Runner). “Staring At The Sound” starts off like a shotgun blast to the face, but winds up almost prog-rock in its ecstatic pursuit of anthemhood. “I will meet you in another time/We will never let this go,” Puciato sings, more clearly and cleanly than he’s ever done with his full-time band. This leads directly into closing track “I Should Have Known You Would,” which drifts along dreamily, almost like post-Roger Waters Pink Floyd. Every member of Spylacopa breaks old habits and abandons comfort on this experimental but self-assured EP. Bravo to all. (RISING PULSE) Phil Freeman

ROCKS LIKE:

The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Ire Works

Made Out Of Babies’ The Ruiner

Cave In’s Jupiter