As Pilot lifts off with opening track Oceans, the listener is drawn immediately into Mallory Knox‘s dark indie-rock with great force.

Lead vocals from Mikey Chapman are delivered with precision throughout the EP. His engaging vocal talent complete with heart-wrenching screams is a clear highlight of the collection, as is the overlaid female vocals and memorable chants on Q.O.D; the concluding song on the EP making you want to listen to it again from the start.

Resuscitate is a particular favourite of mine, showing influence from a wider field of musical acts, evident within its structural shifts and changes in tone – a great tune that keeps the listener transfixed by clever and interesting stylistic choices.

What I like about Mallory Knox is their use of more precise, modern guitar over the typical unsparing riffs which often suffocate and become over-the-top in similar groups. However, Pilot is by no means low-key.

I was pleasantly surprised by good production and recording. From the opening of Oceans to the ending of Q.O.D, Pilot resonates with the listener. Often feeling that this genre is overdone, Pilot proves that Mallory Knox’s efforts and ability, although not something ultimately innovative, do still excel.

Words: Craig Jennings