No Life – Delinquent (EP Review)

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Adam 'Ricey' Rice

No Life – Delinquent
Released: August 3rd, 2023

Line up:

Connor Dickson // Vocals
DJ Fieldes // Guitar
Mitch Blair // Bass
Kahi Bettridge // Drums

Online:

Hailing from Aotearoa, New Zealand, this up and coming four-piece are making their mark on the scene. Having supported Silent Planet, as well as other big names so early in their career, this metalcore act are establishing themselves as ones to keep your eye on. The group are becoming known for their unapologetically heavy sound that blurs the lines between aggression and artistry, along with their staple bone-crushing riffs and face-melting breakdowns, so it comes as no surprise that there is so much hype surrounding the release of their debut EP, but can it live up to the expectations of fans? Let’s find out!

Beginning with an industrial sounding drum fill, the release kicks off with ‘The Lies We Tell Ourselves’ which quickly breaks out into the group’s staple heavy sound. The beefy bassline has me mesmerized from the second it was introduced to the track and just so happens to flow perfectly alongside Kahi Bettridge‘s impressive drum fills, creating a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. The build up to the breakdown is slow and eerie but that doesn’t last long as chuggy riffs create a moment which could just be a mosher’s wet dream before bringing the track to an end. ‘Look Inside’ kicks off where the previous track left off with low-tuned guitars charging their way through the intro. I quickly become extremely impressed with vocalist Connor Dickson as he spits venom into the mic, keeping up with the instrumental’s fast pace while displaying his broad vocal range, his talents are second to none. Another class bassline takes this song to completion.

The high energy intro of ‘Knives Edge‘ leaves me on the edge of my seat as I attentively wait to hear what comes next, and after a few minutes, I am in no way disappointed. Groove-orientated riffs blend nicely with guitar chugs in different sections, creating a unique sound that is bound to leave the listener hitting that repeat button. Once again, Dickson shows off his abilities as he screams with the instrumentals, as opposed to on top of them. A high tempo breakdown throughout the track’s outro takes us into ‘Puke’, which, without discrediting the pure talent which is displayed throughout this track, more or less follows the same formula as previous tracks – low-tuned guitar riffs merge with intricate details from all instrumentals. However, the guest vocalist from fellow New Zealand act Plague Of The Fallen adds another impressive dimension throughout the breakdown which is bound to keep each listener resisting the urge to mosh, wherever they might be.

That mosh inspiring carries through to ‘Snakes Eyes’. As I was in previous tracks, I am once again impressed with the skills of guitarist DJ Fieldes, his ability to competently produce a range of different styles without any sign of struggle or strain compliments his flair as a musician. As I continue to listen to the track in its entirety, I find myself stunned by what is possibly Delinquent’s heaviest and best breakdown. The final track of this EP, ‘Alone’, wraps up this six-song release with influences from each track before it, and even styles that haven’t been displayed in this EP yet, such as a solid two-step riff. It of course wouldn’t be a No Life song without a blistering breakdown to finish what is an impressive display of musicianship throughout the course of these six heavy hitters.

No Life have delivered us a stellar debut EP, it’s my guess that it will not be long at all before this band will feature in most Australian/New Zealander heavy music fans ‘on repeat’ playlists in the not-too-distant future. Catch them touring Australia in September!