All Things End - Artio

Honestly, the Leeds music scene is a gift that keeps on giving. Having been lucky enough to have had involvement in it in the past I know how inclusive and progressive it can be. I’ve seen talented acts from all ages, genres, shapes and sizes play great venues such as The Belgrave Music Hall, The Wardrobe, Verve, The Lending Room and, yes, every new band’s favourite; Santiago Bar. While I’ve witnessed some great acts come and go, Artio seem to be a step above and ahead every time. A super-group of artists, they bring the best sides of their individual experiences together to form a wonderful mash-up that manifests as soul-felt, ambient alternative rock that still manages to boast dancey and mainstream vibes. This dive into progressive genres is what makes All Things End stand out.

A Modern Take

Artio’s huge soundscape could deceive you into believing they have a more complex setup, but the reality is that they appear as a three-piece, writing and producing all of their original music. While the formula for rock bands has been successful for years, the ‘home studio’ prospect has opened many more production opportunities for homegrown art, and this is applicable to both new and established artists – see Bring Me The Horizon’s lockdown diaries on Instagram for an example of how a successful band can continue to create in isolation.

While recording gear can be expensive, without the need for studio time artists can pour more hours into their craft from their living rooms, resulting in a longer creative cycle. Despite being physically isolated, it seems as though we are more connected than ever, being able to work, create and play from our sofas and beds. The process of online collaboration is something I am still learning about, and I urge everyone to do the same as it is clearly the future of technology.

In This Life And The Next

All Things End gives us an insight into Artio’s spiritual nature. Vocalist Holly Brazil is an open liberal advocate in many senses of the word, having already covered many of her beliefs in lyrical form, she maintains a strong social media presence where she is unafraid to challenge problematic conformity in everyday life. This is a clear sign that Artio’s messages aren’t idle threats or hollow chants, they mean business.

Emotional verses building to huge choruses, Brazil belts her frustration at the world. I sometimes worry about the effectiveness of self-produced tracks but All Things End smashes the ball out of the park, filling every register perfectly. Everywhere your senses are guided there is something to be heard and felt, combining real guitar and bass work with drum machines and synth keyboards. This extensive use of a wide range of tools allows Artio to perform live efficiently but genuinely. Considering that the track is recorded, mixed and mastered in-house with such impactful results is extremely admirable.

Defining an artist as 'alternative' is a very broad generalisation, as it covers anything from edgy indie vibes to heavy modern rock, but the spearhead of the movement is refined by the creative geniuses who combine it all into one. There has been a surge in alternative acts using electronic instruments and sounds and, while some may argue that this is stepping more towards pop, it is objectively opening up the spectrum of creative possibilities in four dimensions. These songwriters who have the knowledge and patience to delve into software such as Logic and Ableton will pave the way for our new legends.

The King(s) In The North

I previously described the band as a supergroup as all three members have been involved in various projects around the Leeds scene, possibly most notably [guitarist] Rob Arkle who has been mentioned on my site before in a previous review for his other project; Avenoir – one of the leading punk/rock/metal bands in West Yorkshire. While both acts are firmly alternative, Artio is a different direction, not only stylistically but the meaning behind the lyrics shows another side to him, ultimately revealing Arkle’s versatility as a musician. Similarly, I crossed paths with Ieuan Jones several years prior as his band at the time - In Your Prime - played a support slot for a project that I was part of back in the day. I immediately fell in love with IYP and Artio isn’t a long throw from sharing inspirations with them.

What Is Positive Progression And How To Do I Appeal To The Masses?

When I discovered Artio there was a very specific EP release that I couldn’t get enough of. Pvris’s 'Hallucinations' record isn’t too different from their older stuff but there was something buried in the soul of it that really drew me back to them. All Things End shares this soul and I know that Brazil regards them with enthusiasm due to my brief conversations with her about the single. Having listened to their ‘critically acclaimed’ Backbone EP, I firmly believe that Artio are coming out of their chrysalis with All Things End, packing an arsenal that can rival all of the societal issues that are in dire need of being rivalled, and there are a lot of them. Between their moral motivations, high-production quality and song-writing integrity, the band are tackling the mantle of modern musical progression in their own way. Their ability to write and release even while the world is in lockdown is a game-changer and is a direction that I believe more artists would benefit from pursuing.

Photography by Thomas Berridge

*If you have scrolled this far, hi.

I would like to offer a brief apology for my radio silence. Recently, my small world has seen a lot of stress and, due to a combination of that and current events, I haven't felt that it has been the right time to push my work as more important voices needed our attention. I'd like to offer Holly Brazil and the rest of Artio big thank you for waiting all this time for me while I collected my thoughts and inspiration. While I plan to get the ball rolling and continue with my commentary on local music I still firmly believe that the issues that have been highlighted over the past few months still require a lot of action and attention and are more than just a social media trend.

Respect the NHS. Black Lives fucking Matter. Do your research and look after the members of our society who need your support.

Thanks.