This Is The Warning is the debut album from Brisbane prog rock band Dead Letter Circus. It contains many similar elements to their self titled EP, but shows the band exploring some new musical territory. 

Opening track "Here We Divide", contains all the elements that are associated with DLC; sharp staccato bass lines, heavily delayed guitars, high melodic vocals and a driving drum beat.  

Track 2 ("One Step") introduces an electronic element to the album, that although subtle, runs throughout many of the tracks. This gives some songs (particularly the intro to the drum) an almost industrial feel and shows Forrester Savell's skill as a producer and programmer.  

Other album highlights for me are "This Long Hour", which again has that electronic thread, and "The Design". This is a real departure from the bands usual style and has them slowing the music down, giving it more time to breathe. It shows the band's ability to sit back on a groove and the organ/synth over the top is genius. 

As much as I enjoyed this album there were  a few drawbacks. The overuse of 16th notes on the guitar made many of the songs (at least in parts) sound very similar.  Also, the overall sound of the album was so polished that at times the vocals lacked character, while the bass sounded mechanical.  

These are only minor complaints though, and overall  DLC have produced a worthy predecessor to their amazing EP. I won't demean this record by saying "for a debut its great",  it just is great.  But i think the more these guys branch out and explore new territories (like they've started to on this album), the better they will be for it.  

This album is very much worth a listen and will no doubt help grow the band's already expanding fan base.

Review Score: 8/10