16.10.20 Franco Rootman (The Basic Human Principle)

Off the back of their last epic title – Southbound, the Bristol boys show up big with their fourth release of the year in Red Shade which is off the title EP released today. IMMERSE have shown that they can throw their stigmas out the window and adopt a completely new sound at whim with aplomb, but revert to more familiar territories with Red Shade, but not entirely.

Usually, their music is littered with positive messaging and hopeful notions, and at its core, Red Shade has all these elements buried underneath a layer of directly addressing the issue and assaulting cynicism and negativity.

The post-hardcore unit amazes once again with their innate ability to leap between extremes with ease. Kicking off proceedings by blasting a massive groove screamo verse right in our ear-faces and then seamlessly switching to a beautiful chorus hook that entices us throughout the song, and lingers in the aftermath.

After the second verse, we are embraced by a dark somber melody that builds to a quick punchy break, that knocks the wind out of our sails before we are granted another whimsical breath of fresh air in the chorus.

IMMERSE has wholly proven themselves as creative maestros, and show no signs of slowing down. A fantastic blend of styles makes it is easy to slot Red Shade into various types of playlists and is just always a treat to hear pop up on shuffle.

20.10.20 Teri Morris

Recently Josh the drummer of the band kindly sat down and answered our questions. Enjoy reading!

Hello, IMMERES! Thanks for talking to us today! Who are we having here?

Hi! My name is Josh and I play drums for IMMERSE.

Thanks Josh. First of all, your band just released the new single ‘Red Shade’. How would you describe this song in your own words?

Red Shade is about how people have become so consumed with themselves that they forget to look out for other people. It’s the darkest song we’ve written as a band and we feel that this message needs to be heard. We’re living in a crazy time, so we need to support each other now more than ever.

How do you normally go about writing your songs?

Tim (Guitar) and Ben (Bass) spend a lot of time creating demo tracks full of ideas to bring to the table. Archie (Vocals) and I will then form our parts and put forward suggestions and changes along the way. It will normally take a good few months for an idea to take full form as a song.

Okay. When I listen to your recent tracks, I get some uplifting and positive vibes, it’s like your music is a helping hand for sad people. How difficult it might be to create such a positive music in the world and the genre of your music. Can you tell us about it?

We find it comes quite naturally to write uplifting songs. We want people to be able to use our music as an outlet, an escape. Negativity is everywhere and music is the remedy for so many people. We want people to feel good when they listen to us.   

That’s really interesting! What influences have you drawn from recently, with regards to your sound and message?

Archie’s lyrical influences are heavily inspired by experiences he’s had through his life. He uses his lyrics to vent his feelings and we find that a lot of listeners can relate to his words.

As for our sound, we draw influence from bands such as Counterparts, A Day To Remember, The Story So Far… but as we all listen to various different bands and sub-genres within metal, we each tend to add personal touches which makes it difficult to define our sound!

So, in general, can we say everyone in your band listens to similar music or musicians?

We generally all like the same music but we tend to listen to different things on the daily.

Can you give us your 5 favourite breakdowns?

I love my breakdowns! In no particular order,
– Bound In Fear : The Rot Within (3:50)
– Kublai Khan : Cloth Ears (2:00)
– ERRA : Snowblood (3:30)
– Traitors : Disappoint (2:30)
– Villains : The Presage (3:10)

Snowblood’s breakdown is one of my favourite too. Well, who, which bands do you dream to share a stage with?

It would be unreal to play a show with Architects and While She Sleeps. Mainstage Download is a lifetime goal of mine too!

Sounds pretty possible to me. Which show is your most memorable show and also favourite show Immerse played?

Macmillan Fest was an incredible show for us. Packed out room, great vibes, all for charity! That was a winner all round.

Awesome. I hope proper live music scene comes back soon and you have more of that. What will be coming from IMMERSE next?

I’m not sure I’m allowed to say anything about what’s next… but make sure you’re following our socials to keep up to date with things that may or may not be on the way!?

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I’d personally like to thank everyone for their time and ongoing support. You help keep the dream alive!

Thank you for your time! Good luck!

You can also check our previous review⇒ Review – Southbound

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