The Working Dead kind of appeared out of nowhere, at least on my radar, in the Orlando scene and are quickly making a name for themselves. At first, they were a band known mostly for their covers, but who knew these guys actually write great original songs. Seriously, these songs are super well written and leave much to be desired for a follow up.

The band sites bands like Paint it Black and Alkaline Trio as influences, but they sound more like a three piece Small Brown Bike with the occasional Hot Water Music vocal trading. Fonseca likes his guitar loud and dissonant which creates an almost ambient feel in between power chords. Drummer Taylor Nathe keeps a steady mid-tempo drum pattern throughout each song with the occasional fast part to keep you interested. Both guitar player Jeff Fonseca and bass player David Fuentes share vocal duties on pretty much all the songs and they blend together perfectly. Fuentes really shines on the EPs best two tracks “Fire In October” and “Sleep” with a yelp that would make Chuck Ragan blush. “Sleep” also features the vocal stylings of Chris Scaduto of Go Rydell which highlights the song wonderfully.

Each song seems to carry a theme of trying to find oneself and growing up. A theme that seems rather prominent with this new breed of Orlando bands, but when most of these people are your peers it’s easy to relate.

Each song translates well in a live setting and now anyone can download the EP for free on Death to False Hope records’ website. I can only hope a full length is coming soon, because I am excited to see what else these guys are capable of.