Ultra City - SHADOWS

Ultra City

SHADOWS
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Hailing from Oklahoma City, OK Ultra City is a five-piece punk/alternative band comprised of Adrian Ellioit (lead vocalist), Skyler Taylor (guitar), Tyler Brownen (guitar), Tyler Sanchez (bass) and Shadow Stephenson (drums). The band released a complete DIY effort entitled Shadows, that contains five songs which give you a good idea of the style and direction they are headed. 

The sound quality of Shadows can’t compete with something from a reputable, professional studio but it is competitive with a lot of other DIY style releases. I have to admit some of the songs have intense parts that would have been more visceral if there was more definition, dynamics and separation. Sound quality aside Shadows is an engaging listen that sometimes goes off in unexpected but welcome areas.

Shadows starts with “Box of Sleepers” and the first initial riff reminded me of something I could hear from a band like Bloc Party. It’s a clean, atmospheric part that doesn’t last too long. The band gets some energy when the verse hits and I thought the lead guitar was inventive but also too buried in the mix. The chorus itself was a bit too familiar sounding. Overall, a solid first effort. 

The next song “New Eyes” solidifies that the band has some technical talent from all the members. Taylor is full of creative riffs from a Smashing Pumpkins-esque fill to intricate Pretty Girls Make Graves type leads. The highlight of the EP was “An Evening With Victoria” which was the most experimental the band gets. Towards the end of the song the band goes into post-rock territory and pull it off quite well. They meld their punk tendencies with balance and precision. 

Overall, Shadows is a solid debut effort, which establishes the band has innate talent and chemistry. That being said, they still have some tweaking to do and seem to be in midst of finding their sound.

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