Offlimit are a band from around my local music scene and I have been aware of them for some time. They’re known round these parts for being sort of child-prodigies who played festivals in Germany from when they were about 12 or in their early teens. But understandably like everyone of their age (they are now about 17 or so) they’re keen to break away from their childhood roots. The coming of stubble, acne, and everything adolescent seems is producing an angrier, heavier, noisier, shouty beast of a band. Offlimit’s latest EP is teenage angst down to an artform.

It has been suggested before that Offlimit are something of a Muse tribute band. Whereas in the past there were very obvious similarities with the rock giant, Offlimit are now staying firmly on their feet as a much more refined unit, whilst still staying true to their influences. In truth, they still do sound a little bit like Muse, just much much, angrier, and with venom, and spite, and an altogether brilliant energy.

Deceit the title track off this EP hits in with sinister impact; it’s creepy, melodic, and very memorable you find yourself really anticipating the next anthemic round of “Whoooaa” which signifies the chorus has come around again.

“I know what you’ve been up to, I can see it in your eyes” Screeches Dale Nash in an angry sore throat inducing way.

And I for one wouldn’t like to be the accused because the man sounds like he’s more than capable of shouting them to death.

Next song Fight outside the Local, presumably a song about drink fuelled violence hits off in a punk rock sort of a way; it’s got double time drumming, keyboards and a guitar solo. The song’s great although perhaps not as strong as the other two.

Sign for Commitment, possibly the best song on the EP, has a sort of Radiohead style groove. It’s got a great anthemic hook of a chorus which might have you skipping the track back for another listen. There’s a real rawness to Dale’s vocals here it but somehow seems really to suit the song.

All in all Offlimit are not a polished act, but I’m thinking they don’t need to be. They’re already writing brilliant, catchy, edgy stuff and there are bands out there with record deals who don’t even have songs half as good as Offlimit. I think it’s the raw and unpolished edge that the world needs right now. We, the listeners, need not be spoon-fed brainless garbage with dull pop-harmonies, and perhaps go for more gritty, honest, angsty stuff like this. Offlimit may still be only their finding their way as a band in their infancy but when they’re already this good it’s hard to think there’s much to worry about.

Forthcoming gigs include:

April 1 2007 7.00 Purple Turtle Reading

April 20 2007 8.00 The Half Moon Friars Gate Crowborough

May 12 2007 8.00 Beacon Community College Crowborough

May 28 2.00 Wheatsheaf Beer Festival Crowborough

July 21 8.00 The Plough Oxford

August 23 2007 8.00 The Twist Colchester