Are We All Angels
Are We All Angels gives Scowl's music a much larger melodic role. The hardcore force remains present, particularly when Kat Moss moves into a harsher vocal delivery, but the songs also draw on alternative rock and accessible guitar hooks. The change produces several memorable moments. It also raises a useful question about how much of the band's rougher character survives the smoother presentation.
Special makes the combination work well. A softer vocal sits against fast, jagged playing, with a rougher delivery increasing the pressure as the song develops. The melody gives the arrangement an immediate point of connection without removing its sharper edges.
Fantasy takes a grungier direction. The bass and guitar sound provide weight beneath a clear vocal hook, and the harder final delivery gives the song a stronger release. It is a convincing example of Scowl finding a broader sound while keeping the performance forceful.
Tonight (I'm Afraid) slows the movement and allows more room around the instruments. Its bouncing rhythm and changes in intensity give the bass and voice a greater role. The arrangement has enough movement to stay engaging without needing the same level of aggression throughout.
There is still room for more direct material. B.A.B.E. brings a compact, catchy rush, while the title track closes with a stronger burst of force.
The balance is less convincing in parts of the second half. Suffer The Fool (How High Are You?) has a substantial hook, but it does not make as strong an individual impression as the best songs. The polished production can also smooth away some of the friction that gives this style its character.
Are We All Angels succeeds most clearly when melody and pressure support one another. There are stretches where the accessible approach becomes too comfortable, but the stronger arrangements have both a clear identity and memorable writing. Scowl broaden their range effectively, even if a little more roughness would make the full record more distinctive.
