Before listening to Waterdown’s new album The Files You Have On Me, I expected an emo album since that genre is quite hot these days. Instead of making a soft album, Waterdown return with this ferocious follow-up. Similar to their US colleagues BOYSETSFIRE they explore the horizon of both hardcore and melodic punk without losing their identity. Waterdown was formed in Osnabrück (Germany). During one of their shows Kyle Bishop (Grade) watched the band and was so impressed that he convinced Victory`s Tony Brummel to sign them.

The album opens with “Bulletproof” on which Waterdown sets the score for the rest of the album. They continue full speed with great songs like “Xerox” and “Disgrace”. Vocally the band evolved a lot, showing its musical diversity, perfectly alternating between screamo and melody by using two singers who unleash their politically influenced lyrics.

This vocal interaction between loud and melodic parts is strengthened by the breaks and riffs that blow your ears of every now and then. The album was produced by Uwe Sabirowfky (Beatsteaks) who provided the album with a clean yet edgy sound. The album’s artwork is great. It reminds me a bit of the beautiful progressive Hydrahead artwork.

Not ending with only positive comments about The Files You Have On Me, my only criticism to this piece of art is that the vocalists sometimes miss a few of the high notes. Besides this little critical note The Files You Have On Me is a true pleasure for your ears and really surprised me. Don’t think you’ll discover its true beauty after just one listening, but if you take your time you’ll know what I mean.