Graphic Nature review Graphic Nature Human EP

Review By Dave Martin

Graphic Nature are a Kent based Nu Metal Core band that formed in 2018. They consist of Harvey Freeman on vocals, Pete Woolven and Matas Michaliovskis on guitars, Charlie Smith on bass and Jack Bowdery on drums. The music they produce is a synthesis of nu metal and metalcore with an infusion of electronic music and drum and bass. The band over the last few years has played festivals including Download and Leeds and Reading whilst also support bands such as Vended on tour.

They released their first album “A Mind Waiting to Die” in 2021 via Rude Records follow 4 unsigned single releases. This EP “Human” is the precursor to their forthcoming album “Who Are You When No One is Watching” due out on the 12th July.
 
The title track “Human” starts with a very 90s electronic vibe reminiscent of the happy hardcore style that was popular in the era. Following the intro, Freeman breaks into his heavy vocal stylings supported by the powerful percussion provided by Bowdery. The song descends into some slipknot-esque DJing and high tempo, supported by chugging guitar tones provided by Woolven and Michaliovskis. The guitar then drops mostly accenting Smith on Bass between the vocals and drums before ultimately fading to just the electronic sounds.
The second track “Something I’m Not” commences with electronics that sound like a warning underpinned by strong drumming and whispering vocals reminiscent of Korn. The drumming has a Joey Jordison feel which works well with the guitar riffs and DJ scratching sounds. Following a tempo change the track returns to the alarm style undertones before the guitar fades to the end of the song.
“To the Grave” starts with a drum and bass groove before being joined by heavy guitar riffs. By this stage in the EP it is becoming clear as to the bands musical identity with it’s merging of styles that blend agreeably. From the energy in the tracks, you can envisage the group having a high degree of stage presence live.
 
The final track “Fractured” continues in the same vein as the earlier tracks on the EP with its mixing of musical influences that effectively have the listener wanting to nod and head bang along. The track, at the 3 minute mark, has an enthusiastic change of pace into a drum and bass beat reinforced by Freeman’s brutal vocals.
 
For those fans who have eclectic music taste and appreciate the fusion of different genres particularly metal core, drum and bass and electronics, this EP is for you. The musical blending works well and I look forward to the release of the full album. On a personal level it is great to see Jack Bowdery’s success as I have followed his progression on the local Kent scene for over a decade.
 
The band have a few gig dates lined up in the UK across July and August to support the launch of the new album.
 
Track list 1. Human, 2 Something I’m Not, 3. To the Grave, 4. Fractured