Save Your Breath - Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy [EP]

Stagedive Records

It has been argued that the punk rock scene within the UK has become somewhat stale in recent years, with an influx of new bands proving to be nothing better than average. Step up Newport quintet Save Your Breath who attempt to provide that missing spark with their latest EP; ‘Nothing worth Having Comes Easy.’

The record begins with the bizarrely named ‘xRYx almost died at a foam party’ which is nothing more than a short introduction of what’s to come. The sound is heavily Americanized with obvious influences coming from the likes of New Found Glory and Fall Out Boy. Taken into account, this isn’t necessarily a criticism considering both bands relevant success.

The trend of strangely named songs continues with ‘Holy shit! Fortune teller miracle fish’ which begins with a nice steady intro before the strong vocals, if not a little whiney, are heard. The track continues in upbeat fashion with the backing vocals giving the record added substance.

We are then introduced to ‘not in the mood for kiwi’ which is arguably the best song on the E.P, with catchy riffs and a solid drumbeat. The lyrical content fails to stand out, but the deliverance is as impressive as you’d hear on any pop-punk record. The track ends brilliantly with all guitars and drums fading out leaving the vocals to wrap up the song.

‘I am the ticket’ provides another wonderful intro with the lyrics and overall musical content having a somewhat morbid feel about them. Strong vocals once again stand out, but other than that it’s an unmemorable song that is pretty much forgotten as soon as it’s heard.

‘You’ve Got Lizard Blood’ is a track I feel would be properly appreciated if seen live. The song begins with a slow acoustic guitar before the real energy kicks in and a potentially explosive sound is heard. The song doesn’t do itself justice in recorded format so I would imagine this is definitely one to look out for on the live circuit.

The final track on Save Your Breath’s E.P is another annoyingly named track; ‘Rhys o and the legend of big phone’. The song begins with a ‘thrashy’ purpose, which later subsides to allow the dual vocals [featuring Aled Phillips] to work their magic. Another impressive showing of band cohesion is noted as the song concludes with a catchy vocal display ringing out.

There’s no doubt Save Your Breath show great passion for the cause, unfortunately this EP is nothing more than distinctly average with only the odd glimpses of real quality. The ultimate question you ask is; are Save Your Breath any different from what we’ve heard before? I’ll let you make your own mind up on that one.