Scottish prog-rockers Thula Borah are keen to share their heavy yet experimental sound with the rest of the world with the release of their brand new six-track EP.

Although Near Life Experience starts gradually with the slow-burning instrumental ‘Analysis Paralysis’, the pace soon picks up. Second track ‘The Pyschopath Test’ has catchy hooks in contrast to a gritty, heavy lead guitar riff – it’s all you want in a song like this, with a whole hell of a lot of reverb.

By the time we reach fourth track ‘Do No Harm’, we see a completely different angle to this band; slow yet in-depth and grungy, it’s a well-composed sonic delight, strong in both melody and harmony.

Although the production on this record could have made the sound a little clearer and a lot more in your face when the drops come, nine minute mega tune ‘Unhappen’ definitely works in Thula Borah’s favour – rhythmically, it will get you moshing in a heartbeat, and the change of texture throughout this epic song builds the tension perfectly.

The closing title track of this collection is filled with atmospheric harmonies, providing a powerfully emotive end to the EP.

Thula Borah are a band starting the new year in style; the cinematic grandeur of this EP proving that these guys will be ready for a full-length LP in the very near future.

Near Life Experience is out now.

Jimmy Ingham