Neo Atomic Motor (
NAM), comprising
KOUJI on lead guitar and vocals,
KEN on bass, and
AYATO on drums, return with their US and Japan EP release
Beyond the Horizon which they will be promoting on their US tour this June.
Beyond the Horizon opens with
Frontier, an incredible combination of electro-rock that exudes energy right from beginning to end. There is no denying the funky rhythms and catchy beats in this track, while
KOUJI’s slightly pop-punk vocals further add to this exquisite roller coaster of a track. Just try and keep your body from responding to the tempo and melodies of this song!
Already the bar seems set quite high, the quality of this EP showing good promise, and as
Welcome Beside opens we are met with a darker and heavier track showcasing how dynamic this band can be. We have shifted from a rock song laced with electronic pop and a catchy chorus to a song laden with darker melodies, a heavier grinding guitar composition, and a rhythm meant to get heads banging.
Third track
Doubt alters the atmosphere again, highlighting a spacey electronic feel to the ambient track as it opens with electronica and a good bouncing bass rhythm again, but becomes moodier with the opening vocals. However, as the chorus kicks in the melody becomes more appealing and less monotonous. There is a certain appeal to this song’s darkness and grunge mixed with unearthly programming, but this could be the one that divides fans into one of two mindsets.
Title track
Beyond the Horizon is more your gloriously epic instrumental. It sounds like a good candidate for the theme music of a movie or a TV show, yet leads very nicely into the final track
Three Arrows United which is a lovely track to end the EP on. We have had dance, rock, and copious amounts of electronica, and we are now given a truly beautiful piece that is arguably a highlight of the EP.
There is a transcendental feel to this track, almost spiritual, as the programming and instrumentation set the pace. As the vocals begin, the mood is transformed further to a dance anthem-type piece. Although
Three Arrows United is the lengthiest track on here at nearly seven minutes, the flow is incredible and easy to listen to and altogether rounds up the EP very nicely indeed.
Beyond the Horizon is a compilation of highly energetic and interestingly different songs pieced together perfectly to create an EP well worth the listen. The EP is available now for purchase digitally via
iTunes.
