Stand Up And Scream

The flurry of post-hardcore activity in the ‘00s is a formidable area to keep tabs on, even for hardened fans of heavy music; new hybrids continue to redefine the genre making for ever more unlikely, previously inconceivable, combinations. Enter U.K.-based unit Asking Alexandria, who blend screamo’s angst-ridden intensity with the epic synthscapes and club-styled beats of trance-electronica. The band’s debut, STAND UP AND SCREAM, true to its title, offers a lot of screaming (of the now standard melodic, emo-influenced variety), contrasted with growling (of the now standard metalcore variety), garnished with the occasional four-on-the-floor techno beat. And as seemingly grab-bag as that sounds, Asking Alexandra somehow make it all work, transitioning effortlessly from club stomp to blast beats, distorted guitar riffs to glossy synth arpeggios--a sure fire formula to help them stand apart from their increasingly similar-sounding compatriots.