SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: RYDER – RYDER IV EP

Ryder
Ryder IV EP
Independent

If you are wondering whether the nostalgic classic rock and metal sounds of the 70’s are still around in 2017, the answer is yes. Ryder is a newly formed hard rock group out of Queens, NY, and they seriously rock. From the first second of the EP to the last, you will be transported back to the era of Metallica and Black Sabbath, though each track still retains a modern vibe.

Throughout their short-and-sweet 20-minute EP, Ryder delivers a mix of head-banging metal anthems and softer ballads, giving you the full spectrum of metal/rock styles in just 4 songs.

The opening track, “Do or Die”, is the strongest. It has a very clear Metallica-inspired vibe, featuring low and rough vocals. To top it off, the delivery of the chorus, in which “Do or Die” is repeated, is done in the same tone as AC/DC’s “T-N-T”. While the track is littered with allusions of various classic rock bands, it still has its own character. In particular, lead singer James Ryder does not hit and hold many high notes, as was popular back in the day.

“When It All Comes Down” changes things up with a powerful bass drum opening followed by catchy and clear vocals. As you hear the lead up to the chorus, with shouts of “how does it feel”, you know the next line will be the track title, and its delivery will be pulse-pounding.

The EP ends on a softer note, “Don’t Lose Your Heart”, it is the closest thing to a rock ballad on the album. The lyrics are packed with emotional messages about desire, love, and life. It is a strong track to end on, but could have used more guitar solos.

Even though they formed less than a year ago, it is clear that Ryder are going places. As they expand their discography and include more influences from the classics, I hope they continue to build and retain their own style.

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