Press to Meco – ;Affinity’ EP (Self-released May 27th)
Press To Meco (me-co) have had an incredibly productive twelve months since the release of their self-titled debut EP, playing in excess of 65 shows throughout the UK before retreating to their Croydon practice room to pen the follow-up.
Affinity comes only ten months after its predecessor yet the results are astonishing. Given the band’s relative youth, the maturity shown through their songwriting and musicianship is exceptional. Press To Meco have always possessed an ear for a huge riff and equally gargantuan three-part harmonies, but it would have been audacious to foresee the progression showcased in this 5-track statement piece.
That said it’s an over crowed market place, there really could be a bakers dozen of Warped Tours and several more revolving Slam Dunk festivals, such is the bulging shelves of the local treasured record store – shelves brimming with a healthy clutch of a dozen or so label’s charges, so where do Press To Meco fit in? On the margins, centre stage or to be forgotten?
First listen and the sound is well crafted and the angst is rising, almost they forget momentary their musicianship, for a younger band, their guitar work is all fine, even dandy. Listening to the title track, and immediately started again to think just how many bands occupy a similar space, although as the song fades, after a few sways of good chord structures, I am more convinced that Press to Meco are not one of the bands to shed, in some belt-tightening purge. The trio have their own agenda methinks, there are more chords-per-minute than rough average, then there are a few different influences, all of which is a good thing, as long as it’s not too self indulgent. in this case it’s all good, with songs like ‘Affinity’ and ‘Wasting Time’ the have struck a glittering seam, which will no doubt in fools gold in time to come. But right here and now, Press To Meco are still experimenting, occasionally impressing, and working hard, all they can do at present. Encouraging sounds. 7.1/10
Steve Janes
For fans of Coheed and Cambria, Protest the Hero, Arcane Roots.