Alkanes are a two-piece riff-driven alternative rock band from the north of Scotland. Comprising of Dale Sutherland on guitar and vocals and Connor Meeks on drums, the band has been going since 2014 and draws on influences such as Biffy Clyro, Reuben, Arcane Roots, Black Peaks, Marmozets and Brutus.

They released their debut EP in 2016 and after releasing numerous singles, This Is It is their latest EP and was released on 05/05/2023.

The EP is a mix of alternative rock with elements of metal, grunge and hardcore thrown in to create a sound quite unique to the band.

Riff-driven, the EP is full of heavy guitars that really kick you in the stomach (in a good way!) and the use of distortion gives the tracks a fuzzy, grungey feel that is very reminiscent of the 90’s. Thunderous melodies also give the EP an upbeat sound and this is one that should have you bouncing around. The drumming is raw and energetic, and the basslines and hooks are meaty and strong.

The vocals are firmly set in the alternative rock genre, but there are also influences from metal with emo screams and growls and distortion is also used on the vocals. The lyrics are emotionally driven, and this emotion is portrayed excellently by the lead singer and the backup vocals.

Overall, this is a great EP, and one that I think will appeal to fans of bands such as those previously mentioned, but also to fans of alternative metal. I will definitely be keeping an ear out for anything new that this band releases and am heading over to check out their Spotify channel now to hear previously released stuff.

Great job!

Track Listing:

1) Artefact

2) Ainsley Harriot

3) Neverlution

4) Persistence To Existence II

This Review is the property of The Metal Asylum