From former members of The Mars Volta and At the Drive-In, a new band is born – Antemasque, who are set to release their debut album this weekend. Launched by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, this stimulating project, begun earlier this year, is a headbopping, mindblowing rhythms-homage to many fans of rock.

Antemasque possesses both a daydream quality and the anticipation of a thrill which puts the listener in a strange but pleasant place somwhere between reality and their more hardcore daydreams. The tempo changes between intro, verse and chorus that many of their tracks possess keeps you firmly on your toes, particularly impressive in ‘I Got No Remorse’ which has a very strong ‘replay-me’ quality as a result. The group could be compared to a punchier, louder version of The Strokes or The Vines of 2004 – they even have a similar shoutier (but equally as excellent) Julian Casablancas at the mic.

Beginning with the strong April release, ‘4AM’, the album starts with a distinctly punkish influence that translates into the following five tracks, suggesting a trend – however, this presumption is quickly righted by the surprising mid-tracks ‘Memento Mori’ and ‘Drown All Your Witches’.

Particularly in the latter, Zavala’s voice, usually gritty, fast-paced and to-the-point, takes on a calming, lamenting quality, truly proving the spectrum of his vocal talent. However, the final tracks mirror the first in style, proving Antemasque’s loyalties to a faster, bolder style, a style which really does suit them. Yet perhaps Antemasque’s strongest quality with this release is the fact that it is crazily catchy. Though less experimental than their previous bands, their music is gritty and very distinct – qualities that are sure to indicate success.

Antemasque is set to hit your decks this Sunday and you can be assured that it won’t be a day of rest (for your ears). But trust me – this is a good thing.

Laura Demaude