The Pistol

A youthful frontman screaming until his heart bleeds isn't unique in emo/post-hardcore; in fact, it's almost become a prerequisite. However, it's inevitable for that same commonness to dilute its intensity. This fact is just one reason why Sounds Like Violence's Deep Elm debut is so gripping — you see, The Pistol never dilutes. Andreas Soderlund's strained vocals seem to fight their way through perpetual sobs; when he screams "You give me heart attacks" at The Pistol's opening, it's impossible not to feel like the object of his ire, the cause of his pain. And it's addicting. Likewise, Sounds Like Violence doesn't limit itself to the codes of its principal genre. The higher-pitched supporting vocal and sustained dissent of guitar in "Heart Attacks" recalls My Bloody Valentine, while the ringing main section of "Afasi" and the title track's mix of lurching verse and uplifting chorus break are healthy reminders of indie rock's early-'90s heyday (think Archers of Loaf). Uniting it all is Soderlund's singing, which wavers on the cusp of dour and drastic even when he's not at desperate top volume. Deep Elm has definitely found something special in Sounds Like Violence.