Brighton-based trio Ahsoka have a bit of history together. Formed after meeting at university, they’ve been heavily involved in Brighton’s local music scene (both as a band and as individuals). Having made theatrical rock music for nearly 8 years, they are back after a hiatus with a new 6-track EP – ‘From Beneath You’.
‘Pretty Machine’ – Wide and wild, Tommy Dowse’s drums cut through so well (that snare jumps out like a flashbulb). Alex Amos’s bass seems to reach into your chest and juggle your insides. There’s an immense guitar sound with just the right amount of bite. Rhiannon John’s vocals are clear as a bell, but never sit on top of the mix – they gel and melt into the track perfectly, naturally blending in an effortless way. ‘Pretty Machine’ keeps delivering, with hard as nails riffs peppered throughout the track – and it’s actually a pretty groovy track, too.
‘Cling’ – A really delicate guitar part with a nice off-kilter quality, accentuated by the time signature, which creates a restless tension. The huge riff that follows is deceptive – simple yet exciting and surprising. I liked the way the raw power was, in turn, contained and then released – like a bursting dam. The inventive bridge & ending stuttered like a glitching robot.
‘Godless Country’ – I could hardly catch my breath before the next track was bearing down upon me! For me, a real throwback to ’90s grunge. A simple, rolling riff is like a boulder tearing downhill – it crushes everything in its path. The vocal is enveloped in a thick lava –
And when Rhiannon screams, “This is hell on EARTH!” – things are taken to brutal new heights.
‘All At Once’ – the spacious vocal is crystalline and pure. I liked the way Rhiannon’s English accent can clearly be heard here. The guitars brought to mind some ethereal alt-rock, like classic Smashing Pumpkins. There’s a slower pace here, which builds the tension so the releases are even more intense.
‘The Invitation’ – The long intro shows another side to Ahsoka, with a cinematic atmosphere and a calm, ambient tenderness…for a while. When the guitars are brought in, they hold back at first, but the tide cannot be stopped, and we are thrown into the maelstrom once again. It’s a shame there are no lyrics available – I would love to know exactly what was being sung.
‘Useless’ – The piercing staccato guitar – one note, repeated, waiting for the drop. I loved the halting rhythm here and the tightness of the band. It’s like a well-oiled machine designed for complete devastation. Angular riffs mixed with rolling waves of power to create a colossal wall of sound. I felt like this track took me on the biggest journey.
This band is a riff machine, and it’s hard to believe so much power and chaos can be produced by only 3 people. With ‘From Beneath You’, Ahsoka delivers a relentless onslaught of power and ferocity spread over 6 incredible tracks.
Written by Grubby
