By Jolee Flatman
London based hardcore and punk crossover crew Cope will soon be releasing their upcoming debut album – ‘The Shock Doctrine’. Born in 2015, this quintet mix their love of all things fast and heavy, to create their own unique blend of self-described, ‘heavy punk’, taking influence from bands such as NOFX, Counterparts and Comeback Kid.
Most of the songs on the album are slightly shorter than your average, three to four minutes or so, coming in at just under that. This helps to add the feel of a punk-esque vibe, bringing punchy, in your face chaos, in a constricted time limit. The only exception to this, is the very final track, ‘Influenza’, coming in at just over six minutes long, the longest the band have ever written. It comments on the poisonous side, and the effect that social media has on the world we live in. For me, it was one of the tracks that stood out the most, with its venomous riffs, gnarly vocals and melodic centre. The ending to ‘Influenza’ was what gave it the length, with just over two minutes’ worth of harmonic singing that gradually slowed and faded out. Although this adds a sense of an ending to the album, it was pretty drawn out. Not to say that it wasn’t good, rather something that may not be listened to fully.
‘Empire’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Life in 3D’ have all been drip fed to fans already, leaving a total of five songs yet to be heard. These portray a solid reflection of the sound and atmosphere that ‘The Shock Doctrine’ brings, if you like these, you must check the album on its release. The album draws inspiration from the self-decaying state of the modern world we are in, which is threaded into the politically motivated lyrics, as well as the album art. Provoking the idea of needing change, immediately, and as second to last track rightfully explains – ‘Dammed If We Don’t’.
Excluding the interlude ‘Territory Missing’, every single track brings a fast tempo, relentless riffs and hard-hitting vocal delivery from frontman Tom Walker. There isn’t a moment that falls short of energetic aggression or a sense of urgency.
- ‘The Shock Doctrine’ will be released on 22 May. You can get your copy, and more Cope goodies, HERE.
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