Our Future Leaders "Machines" Review - ROCKSPOSURE.....Be Heard

Album Review
Our Future Leaders - "Machines"

Article By Chris Brach

With their debut EP “Machines”, Our Future Leaders aren’t wasting any time staking their claim in the Florida Rock scene.  Some bands take an EP or two to work through the awkwardness of coagulating a new sound together, but “Machines” is evidence that that’s not always the case.  Comprised of Brian Strean (Rhythm/Vocals), Danny Foote (Lead Guitar), Dustin Becker (Bass), and Daniel Blume (Drums), Our Future Leaders sound as if they’re easily two or three EP’s into their discography.  Debut EPs can often be all over the place, but not this one.

Our Future Leaders caught my ear after I found them blazing up the Rock charts on Ourstage.com (Yes, we’re constantly out there searching for great music to bring your way!).  After stumbling across “Enemy” as I was perusing the charts, I knew that I needed to hear more.  “Enemy” starts quick, takes a swanky breather in the middle, then finishes exactly where it started.  In between Foote fits in some sweet, driving guitar licks to accompany a clean solo.  Add in the quick beats of Daniel Blume, and this song becomes the definition of Rock n’ Roll.

“Kill the Youth” heads the speed metal route with a lightning fast riff that is reminiscent of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades”.  Speed is definitely one of OFL’s strengths as they hyperactively (and cleanly) tear through this song at an incredible tempo.  They use the same formula on the borderline thrash metal song “Caliber”, and they absolutely nail it there too.  The guitar and drum work on both songs is impressive, and lead vocalist Brian Strean’s screams are perfectly placed.

As they slow down the speed machine on “Obtain”, OFL reveals a more tempered Rock sound.  This record was recorded with Casey Daniel of Seven Mary Three and I couldn’t help but hear some nuances of the first SM3 record on this track, especially in Strean’s vocals.  Dustin Becker tightly ties this song down with his bassline which gets an ample and well deserved showcase after getting buried by the heavy lead guitar shredding on “Caliber” and “Kill the Youth”.  The album’s last track is an acoustic cool down lap entitled “American Dream”.  Strean uses it to show that his voice can do more then just bellow out Hard Rock songs as he takes it down from a scream to a soulful ballad as the record winds down.  “American Dream” is very different song in comparison to the other four, but it fits extremely well as the finale.

“Machines” is an energy laced 5 song EP packed with blazing fast speed, intricate guitar, and some well put together, slower changes towards the end.  Given that this is the first studio release from Our Future Leaders, the results are impressive.  If this is any indication, their name might just be a self fulfilling prophecy.