Review Summary: Wired For Havoc? Who the hell is that? The Utah Pop Punk quartet released their debut album, Reckless - EP, February of 2013 and with it they've made quite the impression on their local scene.
Alright, we both know that if I mentioned a local Utah band called Wired For Havoc you would have one thing to say. Who on earth is that? Very few people have heard of this musical quartet from the East side of Utah Lake. Roughly a year ago, these three guys from Springville, Utah released their debut album, Reckless, and if you haven't heard it you are missing out of one of the best Pop Punk bands the 801 music scene has to offer.
Sword & Shield erupts from your speakers with aggressive punk guitar flying from the fingertips of Lius Montero and thundering drum bats from Sean Gordon. Then Andrew's vocals, unusually low for the genre, flow into your ears. Singing "I look up at the stars, every single night", Andrew Connor expresses his faith effectively through visual lyrical elements and clever analogies (e.g. "They say they saw you walk on water--save the damned hearts and love", "I'm the ship and you're the anchor to me"). As the opening track, this song makes quite the impression.
Montero's skill on guitar is accentuated on the intro of Colorado. Dubbed over frantic guitar chugs from Andrew is the incredible sweep arpeggio played by Luis. He executes the lick expertly on the track and is consistently able to do the same during their live show. The kid knows what he's doing. Sean Gordon's drumming is some of the most impressive I've seen in a live show and it's displayed excellently in the album, especially during the refrain on From My Heart To My Hands. The double bass peddle is used with extreme skill and precision. Sean has been praised by Noisebox Studios as one of the best studio drummers he's ever worked with. Andrew's voice isn't always fitting to the genre or at all exceptional but he gets the job done. His work on From My Heart to My Hands is the best on the album, but it takes some getting used to on the rest of the album.
All in all, this album is one of my favorite efforts from and unsigned, Utah band. The lyrics and musical ability on Reckless are excellent. Although it may not be the most unique Pop Punk/Happy Hardcore album ever made, it's definitely enjoyable. Every time I listen to this album I want to party. So, if you're into Pop Punk/Hardcore bands like All Time Low or Four Year Strong, give Reckless a listen and come party with me.
