Modern rockers Coridian have arrived with an endearingly natural, heavy and emotive four-track EP, led by powerful vocals, given depth by expansive guitar arrangements, and momentum by a versatile rhythm section. Recorded (and mixed) by Paul Lawrence at Roundhead, things kick off with Fight Or Flight, a building soundscape that gives way to emotive vocals, while arpeggiated guitars and energetic drums interweave dramatically. Brave Disguise expresses a more melodic side to the Auckland four-piece (three Raven brothers plus vocalist Dity Maharaj), featuring a big chorus and ending with a feel not dissimilar to Oz prog-metallers Karnivool. Alexandria is punctuated with memorable melodies and unpredictable structuring. Coridian’s penchant for 6/8 grooves is by now undeniable, and the crushing rhythm section combined with the expressive guitars and vocals lands this sound somewhere between Incubus and Deftones. Frogs and Crossbones rounds out the EP, reversing guitars lead to vocal notes that go on and on. A groove change raises the stakes before a prog rock turn with attitude, and unapologetically dissonant riffs make way to the outro. ‘Oceanic’ is, by design, the best representation of an alternative, modern rock band – heavy, melodic rock, warts and all.