UK band IN SEARCH OF SUN used to be called Driven at some point, opting for a change of name when they decided to redefine their chosen musical style. “The World Is Yours” is their debut album, and was released through Raging Demon Entertainment in 2014.
I understand that this band used to play metalcore back in the days when they called themselves Driven, and while you can’t really hear too many traces of that specific style on this album released under their new moniker, it is at least fairly obvious that they have opted to maintain a certain level of influence from hardcore. They do explore and include the elements from this style in a rather accessible manner however, within a context I guess is best described as alternative metal of some kind.
The bands alternates between a few different dominant styles throughout this production. On one hand there’s the staccato, at times rather playful, riff constructions that point directly back to hardcore as an original source. Then there are gentler passages with plucked and elegant guitar details, fairly often with a driving, dominant bass-line for support. Tighter, typical heavy metal riffs does appear from time to time as well, while a more constant presence, especially in the second half of this album, are darker, flowing guitar riff movement with more than a subtle nod back towards grunge.
In Search of Sun adds these elements together in a fairly energetic manner, and one might say they borrow a page or two from the pages of progressive rock as well due to the manner in how they alternate between these styles, seamlessly seguing from one to the other during the course of a composition, complete with alterations in pace and intensity. Not that this is an album that will ever be described as progressive rock or metal as such, but there are aspects of the spirit and approach from those genres present, first and foremost due to the structure of their compositions.
What ultimately makes this production an interesting experience is the presence of vocalist Adam Leader however. The songs are generally compelling and pleasant, but his emotional delivery does elevate the end result quite a bit, adding tension and a distinct presence as he alternates his various vocal styles just as much as the music his voice is on top of. Clear, melodic and powerful regular vocals, tight and tension-filled spoken like deliveries and intense shouted vocals are all fields he masters very well, and he’s a skilled enough singer to know what type of voice works best both to complement or contrast the instruments but also to maintain listener interest.
There are some compositions here where the band appears to be a bit too ambitious, but apart from those token few tracks this is a compelling and enjoyable production. A fairly smooth one in sound and execution too I should add, and I should probably mention that those fond of music of this kind with rough edges should look elsewhere. But if a broadly appealing blend of accessible hard rock liberally flavored with details from hardcore and grunge sounds like something that might interest you, this debut album by In Search of Sun is one that merits a check.
My rating: 76/100
