Album Review: Raising Anchors- Raising Anchors EP

Raising Anchors – Raising Anchors EP

Release Date April 28, 2011

Track Listing:

Breaking Down 3:42

Shining 5:52

Seven Nation Army (Originally by The White Stripes) 4:17

World’s Alive 4:40

Journey’s End 6:02

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This self-titled release is Raising Anchors’ debut EP, and the hard rock quartet come out swinging.  The four original tracks plus one cover clock in at nearly 25 minutes, and Raising Anchors wastes no time in covering a lot of ground. After recently returning to their most memorable lineup featuring singer Mason Pryor, the band was kind enough to let Lock and Key Music unlock the EP for an exclusive preview.

“Breaking Down” kickstarts the record with a heavy, Godsmack reminiscent guitar riff after drummer Trigg Hobbs counts off. Lead guitarist Chris Godley carries the song until Pryor’s vocals come in with a rough, metal style, belting out a groove based hook that would be a perfect fit for rock radio.

The lead single from the EP, “Shining”, couldn’t be any more different from the preceding track. Opening with softer guitar licks and a steady bass line from bassist Merrick Marquie, Pryor’s singing comes in cleaner and almost ballad-like. Godley’s guitar work is in full display weaving in and out of riffs and solos with ease.

“Seven Nation Army” is the EP’s only cover track, and as such it has a very unique flair. Pryor’s vocals are in full-on stadium echo mode, blending Raising Anchors’ heavier sound with the more indie styling of the White Stripes.  Godley and Hobbs provide a faithful rendition of the original instrumentals for the rock staple, though Marquie’s bass guitar adds an element that is notably absent from the original White Stripes recording.

            The penultimate track, “World’s Alive”, opens similarly to “Shining”, though once the drums come in, the track takes on a life of its own. The drums and guitar come in full-throttle, and Pryor’s aggressive vocals absolutely make the verses. The chorus once again has enough pop-influenced sensibility to make the song a radio hit without abandoning the metal influences and aggressive musicianship.

            “Journey’s End” is the record’s longest track, and the perfect choice for a closing song.  The vocal harmonies keep Pryor’s chorus powerful, and keep the track refreshing. Godley, Hobbs and Marquie bring their A-games, crafting a track that will undoubtedly be a fan favorite. The piano interlude helps the track slow down for its final verse before steadily gaining steam. Hobbs’ drum fills keep the track filled with energy as Pryor’s haunting vocals gradually give way to harmonized gang vocals to tie everything together with a nice bow.

Rating: 7/10

Standout Tracks: Shining, World’s Alive

Parting Words: Though it may have been a bumpy road that Raising Anchors took to arrive where they are today, the band has a polished hard rock sound that really shines on this EP. It’s clear that the band members write songs that will work for both listeners and performers, and that’s what will keep fans coming back for more.