Metalcore, perhaps more than any other alternative genre, became constrained by its own boundaries and limitations. Bands found their own niche then stayed safely ensconced within those rules and regulations, therefore it’s rather refreshing that Archers are here to rewrite the rulebook. Drawing inspiration from a diverse pool, heavy metal and punk is stitched together with a pop sensibility and the result is a sound with a definite crossover appeal. Featuring five explosive tracks, Temporary High is released to coincide with the band’s appearance at this year’s Download festival and will ensure the band stays in the memory bank for a long time.
When Archers covered The Weekend’s R&B standard ‘The Hills’ it raised more than a few eyebrows in the metalcore community, but it also sent a message that this was a band that refused to be shackled and has given them a lot of freedom in terms of musical exploration. That’s an aesthetic they bring to Temporary High and ensures that this EP is packed with more ideas than many bands put into an entire career. That becomes immediately obvious on opening shot ‘Better Off’, arriving with wrecking ball force it would appear that this would be an ordinary metal album, yet it soon evolves into something far more interesting. The vocals flit from clean to guttural and the music follows suit, placing dense musical textures next to huge white spaces, the effect of ‘Better Off’ (and, indeed, the whole EP) is like walking through a hall of mirrors with sound fractured and reflected in all directions.
We are all products of our respective environments and the Archers are definitely a product of theirs. Hailing from Wisconsin in America’s Midwest region, an era perhaps best known for its thriving emo scene, Archers have more that an emotive quality to their sound, and in the hyper-masculine world of metalcore, that was another risky move, but one that has certainly paid dividends. It’s yet another tension of opposites in an already tightly woven sound and ensures that Temporary High will continue to throw up surprises, listen after listen.
My only (minor) complaint with this release is that it’s too darn short, the five tracks do make a perfect calling card and, true to the old adage, leaves you hungry for more.
- Temporary High is released via SBG Records on 13th June 2025.
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Track List:
1. Better Off
2. Wide Awake
3. Safe Now
4. Never Enough
5. Crooked Smile
