Singles + EPs

Single Review: Federal Black 40

[Single: Hey You]
[Label: Unsigned]

Opening with the brooding and melodic ‘Hey You’, Federal Black 40 have gone some way to try prove themselves as a band that have a lot of introspective ideas. Dan Hunsdon displays a penchant for Chris Cornell-esque vocals, gravelly and yet somehow retaining a bittersweet angelical vibe about them, whilst the rest of the band plough away at familiar riff structures that never stray too far from the beaten track of traditional riff writing.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise when you discover the band’s list of influences. Massive names like Metallica, AC/DC and even the Foo Fighters are a clear inspiration to the music on display here. There are a lot of similarities but, to be fair to the band, they’ve still managed to put together songs that are their own, instead of slightly altered covers.

As mentioned above, the opening track spins around beautifully and contrasts vastly to the heavier riffage of second track ‘See You Around’. It’s a tried and tested way of injecting life and variety into a recording, but in this case it works a treat, giving the band the unmistakable opportunity to show what they can do so very well.

Despite how accomplished the recording is and how catchy and involving the tracks on here are, however, you can never quite get rid of the niggling thought that you’ve already heard this kind of music before, performed better, and most importantly, more interestingly. About the only thing that really makes Federal Black 40 really stand out from a million other peers is Hundson’s clearly impressive vocals, and there’s no denying the fact that the band knows this, making him the driver of the sound.

Overall, Federal Black 40 have shown us that they know how to write catchy, pop rock songs twinged with an epic chorus atmosphere but, essentially once final track ‘Manic’ (previously spotted on their demo) has died out, you are left with a feeling that it could all be so much better if they experimented a bit more and took a few more risks. Unfortunately, this would put them at odds with the millions of people who enjoy the likes of Nickleback on their radio so it becomes a question for the members as to whether they wish to invigorate with their talent or stagnate.

For Fans Of: Audioslave, Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters

Band Link:
Federal Black 40

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