The Effect: Running With The Wolves

Artist: The Effect
Title: Running With The Wolves
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 20th January 2014
Reviewed By: Katherine Tapp

Running With The Wolves is the third EP by Welsh quartet The Effect. Their growth as a band since 2012's Lioness is evident as they boldly explore new themes and influences. Even the opening line of this latest release is "The lioness is dead." The EP takes you on a journey of self-acceptance, the consequences of drug and alcohol use, and finally taking control of your life.

The title track Running With The Wolves works well as an opener to the EP, though it doesn't do well in displaying The Effect's unique sound. The lyrics are a strong point of the song, with  reference to how they've moved on from their previous releases in the line "The lioness is dead, and now I'm running with the wolves." The chorus starts to feel a little busy, with powerful vocals and heavy, fast-paced instrumentals battling it out for attention. Despite this, it really does set the mood for the record and keeps you interested in what they have to offer.

Souvenir displays the more experimental side of The Effect, with its mixture of techno/dance influence on top of heavy riffs. It was a good choice as the first single with its catchy tune and its exploration of the EP's key theme.

Ghosts begins to ease the listener into the softer side of the band. It takes the place as one of the strongest tracks on the EP with its slow build up into powerful instrumentals. It is also one of the most personal songs they have to offer, which finally gives the listener something to connect to.

These Hands Are Made For Hunting ramps up the speed and tone with a more punk rock sound. This is the track that deals with the issues of drug and alcohol use, a theme the band hadn't really touched upon before now. Although it has strong lyrics, it begins to feel a little like filler with its repetitiveness and short length.

Finally, Fate, You Are My Prisoner is another demonstration of their well thought out song structure. The first half of the song allows focus on the gentle vocals, with a sudden shift to heavier instrumentals. With its lyrics being about taking control of your life it brings a good feeling with its conclusion.

Overall, the EP offers a little bit of everything, and should really be listened to as a whole in order to fully appreciate the band's skill.