If you were flicking around Kerrang and Scuzz TV in the early 00’s, Breed 77 are a band you no doubt remember. Hailing from the island of Gibraltar. Their self titled debut and follow up album, Cultura had a very distinct flavour about them. Thanks to the bands fusion of flamenco and alt-metal influences. Which made them stand out in a scene dominated by down-tuned nu-metal and rap rock. Ensuring that the music videos to World’s on Fire and The River were in pretty steady rotation.
Unfortunately, time took its toll on Breed 77. However, ten years since they hung up their instruments they’re back once again. Doing what they do best. Following up a storming run of festival dates last summer with a brand new studio album.
The opening track from VII, End of the Line picks up right where Breed 77 left off in 2015. There’s a flurry of flamenco guitars, chunky riffs, Paul Isola’s vocals soaring over the top of the mix… It’s exactly the same fusion of flavours that helped them stand out back then. Executed with passion and precision in equal measure.
Follow up track, Outside carries things on in a similar vein. Albeit with a slightly more staccato main riff and a little more grit to Isola’s delivery on the chorus. Then Before We Were Young takes us back to touch home base with some delicate acoustic harmonics and Latin style percussion thrown in by newcomer, Adam Stanley. Who’s taken over Andre Joyzi’s duties behind the drum-kit since the band reunited.
From the albums opening salvo, you might think VII is just more of the same. However, once you scratch the surface there have been some subtle evolutions to Breed 77’s sound. From the uplifting chorus of I Should’ve Let You Know. To the power blues-esque swagger of Got Me Wrong. The band have definitely grown and aside from an odd production choice on the vocals during the introduction to Don’t Give Me Up. Which leaves Isola’s vocals sounding slightly clipped. We’d go as far as to say VII arguably represents the most polished incarnation of Breed 77 we’ve heard for a long time.
Have Breed 77 completely reinvented themselves with their seventh studio album? Absolutely not. However, we don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. In the same way that Bloodywood brought their native influences into metal and breathed new life into the genre. Breed 77 have a unique sound that stands out in a sea of copied and pasted modern metal tropes and we can’t knock them for sticking to it.
A lot of bands get back together for the pay cheque. However, far from a token release, VII is an album clearly born from a genuine passion for music. Making it a worthy addition to your playlist. Whether you’ve been down since day one or not.
VII lands this Friday, November 13th and is available to pre-save and pre-order now. For more information on the band and any upcoming announcements go ahead and give them a follow on social media. If you’d like to catch them live. Breed 77 are currently out on tour alongside Soil and King Kraken. With tickets available for their upcoming dates in Manchester, London and Margate.
