EP Review: Arimea – Orchid Street (Self Released)

Oxford’s fast-rising nu-metal outfit, Arimea, will release their brand-new ‘Orchid Street’ on November 28th, 2024.

Note these words – Arimea are going to be an even bigger force in the UK metal scene than they currently are. A force that is recognised across varied bases, throughout different groups, and via the power of a release that showcases their impressive creative abilities. Orchid Street is a very special EP made up of very special tracks created by very special musicians. None more notable than vocalist Whitney Cooper, who has such an incredible voice.

It is her voice, alongside a varied take on what modern nu-metal can sound like, that leaves such an impression. Beginning with the heavyweight pairing of Deliver Me and Leash. The former is catchy, with some intriguing retro nu-vibes here and there, and memorable for a wickedly dark vein of tension that runs through it. Whereas the latter is the band at their most lively, intense, and chaotic sounding. Putting it bluntly, it’s a track that goes really freaking hard. Especially with vocals as scathing as they are here, misogyny being part of the inspiration for this beastly, and brilliant, effort.

It’s tracks like these, and the following title track, that makes the nu-metal revival that Arimea are part of so much more palatable. Delivering bigger melodies, a clever blend of light and dark tones, and a soaring chorus. Before offering up the entrancing Liminal, a track that can be summed up as moody, but vibrant. As well as having old-school nu-metal aspects but balanced by infectiously anthemic modernised rock ways.

What might be standard stuff in lesser hands becomes pretty damn unforgettable in the hands of Arimea. Hence, why a final touch of melodrama via Golden Hour is so strong. Melodrama that pours out of a powerful piece of music. Arimea at their grandest sounding, and with impeccable layers of heaviness to balance out the impressive melodies.

Note these words.

Arimea – Orchid Street Track Listing:

1. Deliver Me
2. Leash
3. Orchid Street
4. Liminal
5. Golden Hour

Links

LinkTree | Instagram | Twitter