Rating: ****1/2
Cordova is a metal band out of New Mexico and they've played with some of the best modern rock groups around. Bands like Drowning Pool, Puddle of Mud, Hawthorne Heights, Buckcherry, and others have all had Cordova play in support of them.
With the "Runaway Summer" EP, Cordova seems poised to shine the spotlight directly on them this time around.
Rumor has it that this is the first of many releases the band has planned for 2018, so look at this EP as a taste of the present and an appetizer for what's yet to come.
So let's dig in to "Runaway Summer" and see exactly what's up.
Listen to "Runaway Summer" on SoundCloud here:
"Yeah, that's what I'm talking 'bout..."
That's the phrase that gets opening track "Hiding" started and I gotta say, it's kinda perfect. The tune gets into a monster double bass drum intro that feels like a front kick directly to the chest. It reminds me of Disturbed a little and that's not a bad thing. Vocalist Oliver Charity definitely has the metal god chops and it shines through in the verse and chorus. Really strong opening track. The title track "Runaway Summer" is next and it's more of a slow burn in comparison to track one. More melodic in nature, it's still a good sound for them, even if it doesn't assault you quite from the start. The chorus is catchy as hell and will have you singing it in your head for many hours after. Trust me on that. "Trigger Happy" has got a perfect mix of melody and metal and might be the best track thus far overall. This has been a really great modern metal EP heading into the final track "Weighted". This one has some swag to it. They sound cocky and arrogant and I kinda love it. Chorus is fire. Another really great song to end this really great record.
If you're a metalhead, this one is a can't miss. I seriously think these guys could be the next big thing. As a long-time fan of the genre, I am thoroughly impressed with this release and implore to give it a whirl. You will not regret it.