As you may have heard, after a long hiatus, Earthtone9 are back with an EP of brand spanking new tracks. For those that are convinced that reformations are a bad idea because they’re not the same band as they were “back in the day”, they will be pleasantly disappointed as all four of the tracks here are astounding. 

Where most reformed bands usually come back sounding exactly as they did when we last heard them, as if picking up from where they left off, Earthtone9 have somehow shifted it up many a notch. The performances are all first rate: Karl’s vocals are remarkable, shifting from melodic purr to angry growl effortlessly; the wrecking ball riffs and clean melodies of Owen’s and Joe’s guitar and Dave’s bass are superb; and Simon’s drums are solid. If you’ve not heard of them before, head over to their website for a free download of their ‘Inside, Embers Glow…’ compilation. And while you’re there, buy this EP (which includes 3 videos, the artwork, and 10% of what you pledge goes to Cancer Research). In the meantime, you’d better hope that this indicates more to come from these guys. Get it.

9 out of 10

1. The Tide of Ambition

2. Ghosts

3. The Trail That We Carved Out

4. Reborn