Band:	Graphic Nature
Album:	Who Are You When No One Is Watching?
Style:	Metalcore, Nu metal
Release date:	July 2024
A review by:	omne metallum

01. Who Are You?
02. Locked In
03. Blinded
04. Human
05. Something I'm Not
06. Breathe
07. Session24.
08. N.F.A
09. Fractured
10. Low
11. To The Grave
12. When No One Is Watching
13. For You

It always feels like somebody's watching me.

Nu metalcore is either a bastard child that you hoped was never spawned, or the latest melding of styles that has revitalised two genres that had been running out of steam. Graphic Nature are one of the children born from this union and are back with their second offering that expands the library of this genre. Who Are You When No One Is Watching? will likely see lovers and haters part like the Red Sea before it, evoking strong feelings either way.

Graphic Nature don't do things by halves, with Who Are You When No One Is Watching? diving headfirst further into the sonic blender that sees the electronica of Atari Teenage Riot mixed with the darkness and riffs of Korn: a combination that will either sound amazing or as inviting as dripping acid in your ears. When I reviewed A Mind Waiting To Die last year, I noted how there was promise in the band's sound. It was a case of honing their craft to truly get the most out of it. To hear that they are back with a follow-up in just over a year does make you wonder if they're quick learners or have jumped the gun. The latter appears to be the case, as the band hone their craft, getting the balance between these two elements right more consistently than on their debut.

Tracks like "Something I'm Not", "Fractured", and "Human" catch the ear with their disparate elements. You're caught by the electronic hook and dark broody atmosphere, before the band swing in with a heavy, downtuned riff that will knock you off your feet. "N.F.A" has the heavy bounce that makes nu metal tracks as catchy as can be, when done right. The production work captures the angsty darkness and energy perfectly, conjuring up an image of a drive through dark, neon-lit streets.

While the band are stepping in the right direction, there is still a long way to go, however. Who Are You When No One Is Watching? is an inconsistent album that will bore/annoy as much as it can entertain. Tracks like "Low" feel formulaic, with the riffs of Woolvern and Michailovskis being bland, downtuned chugs that are interchangeable and rely on the electronics to help give each track its individual identity. Freeman's vocals are either hoarse barks or hoarse shouting, not giving the tracks any greater dimension by varying his approach.

Moving in the right direction, Graphic Nature build on the foundation and promise of their debut, developing their style while still showing some growing pains. I don't know who the band are when no one is watching, but if you are watching them, you'll see a band in the works and one to keep tabs on in the future.