Album Review: Acres – Lonely World

As debut albums go, Lonely World is a very powerful mission statement. From the off, gloomy, portentous instrumental opener Deathbed subtly establishes the tone, before Medicine violently throws the door into Acres’ deep, dark void wide open. Combing atmospheric soundscapes, beautiful vocal harmonies and blisteringly powerful screams that seem to reach into another universe, these songs manage both vulnerability and defiance in the same breath, becoming simultaneously hopeless and hopeful.

The nuanced power of Be Alone and Talking In Your Sleep is as impressive as it is captivating, buoyed by vocalist Ben Lumber’s emotive delivery. Throughout, it sounds like he truly belongs in these songs as he guides you through their different shades with ease, especially the searching Lullaby, which floats with a mournful, haunting grace. A phenomenal first step from a genuinely enticing new band.

Verdict: KKKK