Given Free Rein, a band from Athens in Greece, have released their debut studio album In-Ear Trip in May.

The trio, founded by multi-instrumentalist Andrew Kouretas, ties together elements of rock and punk into their sound, and for 2016 they do it on a very high level. The transit themes of the comings and goings of everyday life are some of the motifs that spiral throughout the 10-track album. Also, rolling with the high-energized concepts, there are hints of the band striving to fulfil a bigger sound. There are instances where it looks like Given Free Rein is attempting to fill their songs with a more classic rock approach to their music. In this case, this works in a more expansive way to fulfil their themes whilst melding title to track.

“Magnetic Fields” opens In-Ear Trip on a high note with sounds that don’t spiral out of control. There is an order to the pacing and everything is executed in excruciating detail. The music comes off as clear and concise, yet with a slight hesitation to let loose that comes off as a bit strained. But once the vocals come around, this seems to set the band at ease and everything comes across as more rhythmic. The rock anthem soars with vocals of Kouretas.

“Love Pigs” comes off as rather intense, what has to do with power chords transition, courtesy of, again, Andrew Kouretas, and his powerful singing. Rhythm section comprised of bassist Lucas Kerkyras and drummer Ntinos Roulos is nothing less powerful in providing the strong backbone through the over-the-top bass lines and heavy hitting. Listeners will catch the exciting sounds of the high-powered chorus in “In-Ear Trip,” “Day In The Dark,” and “Sidekicks.”

The longest piece on the album, “Vein Of Light,” brings diversity to the sound of the album, focusing more on the atmosphere but also retaining energy of the past songs.

Given Free Rein’s template of hard work and uplifting crossover rock music with elements of punk and metal works. This has allowed for them to own their own sound, instead of tapering off sounds from other bands that reside in the similar circles. Their music is uniquely theirs and is a great find for someone looking for more edgy take on the rock music.

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