InRetrospect - current_state. - EP Review

InRetrospect - current_state. - Independent

Track List:

1. substrate.

2. current_state.

3. deadweight.

4. safe_haven.

5. eclipse.

6. counting_days.

The UK's InRetrospect is everything I want in my modern metalcore bands, and I hope it's the same for you. When I was first introduced to the band, I felt it from the first note and pound of the drums in the track 'safe_haven.'. Luckily, that feeling continued throughout InRetrospect's singles and their new EP 'current_state.'. I'm sure everyone can think back to some staple introduction EPs in the scene (I'll wait), and after listening to 'current_state.', I'd be hard-pressed not to name it as a great new edition to that list.

The band mixes modern metalcore genres with ease. There are many metalcore staples throughout the EP, including growl screaming, pretty choruses, and chugs (of course). But when these elements are not only done right but expanded upon, you can't help but take notice. There's also some programming/electronics, but it's kept to a minimum to add to the atmosphere. But, again, that's a veteran move from a relatively new band. InRetrospect is a band that feels polished like they've been around longer than they actually have.

The entire band is technically sound, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their vocalist Nathan Biddles. Nathan is covering the singing and screams in the EP seamlessly. Not only that, he's covering multiple styles of each style with the range to pull it off. It's a pretty impressive feat while keeping the music exciting and far from stale, which can sometimes be an issue in modern metalcore. From the music videos available, the vocalist also has a presence that must make live performances stand out. Even as a relatively new band, the sound is crisp, well-produced, and not oversaturated.

Each track brings something new to the EP. The intro track 'substrate.' fades in slowly and starts with impassioned singing before bringing in screams for the first time, layered with some great riffs and back and forth vocals dynamics. Then, a track like 'deadweight' hits you quickly with a faster tempo and low screams into a catchy melodic chorus. Throughout the EP, there are plenty of melodies and hard-hitting instrumentation. Soaring vocals and brutal lows. The lyrics are passionate and can often get caught in your head. You could easily see yourself singing along live and jumping in the pit the next second. It's cliche, but there really is something for everyone here.

'current_state.' gives a taste of what the band is capable of, but it leaves the listener craving more as it comes in at 6 tracks in total. Of course, that's not a bad thing to keep people's attention, and what's also nice is that the EP has replayability. Each song/single can realistically be added to any metalcore playlist for repeat listens. I can't help but look forward to the next outing by InRetrospect.

InRetrospect's new EP, 'current_state.' independently comes out on June 10th. Make sure you support InRetrospect by visiting the following links:

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Seek Harbour - Far From Home - EP Review

Seek Harbour - Far From Home - Independent

Track List:

1. Dagger Like Eyes

2. Wolves

3. Far From Home

4. TY (FBMH)

One of my favorite parts of being an independent music outlet is finding and being introduced to new bands in the scene. I'm sure many think that with the internet, how could you not easily find every band that makes music you like? But it happens, and sometimes it happens because there are separate scenes in other countries. That's where Seek Harbour comes in. Seek Harbour will release the entirety of their debut EP, 'Far From Home,' independently on Friday, April 8th.

Seek Harbour are a post-hardcore band from Kent, located in the UK. But it's probably a little too easy to say they're "post-hardcore," as Seek Harbour adds a few genres to the mix, including some pop-punk sensibilities and hardcore-style screamed vocals in their dual-vocalist band. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating and exciting combination, primarily because the band has a sturdy melodic post-hardcore backbone.

The band has been releasing tracks from the debut 'Far From Home' EP since 2021 but will culminate with the emotional finale 'TY (FBMH),' which I believe stands for "Thank You (For Bringing Me Here)" on Friday. The song is very melodic and especially catchy in nature. The screams (or uncleans) are minimal, but the passion is still at the forefront. This is often the way Seek Harbour handles the song structures in 'Far From Home.' The instrumentation is often very clean. The singing and screaming switches are placed up front in the mix. Thankfully, they are not muddled in the production, which can often be the case in these genres.

Throughout the EP, Seek Harbour creates an intoxicating atmosphere that drives anticipation for what's coming next. The mix between singing and screaming is varied and keeps the listener's interest without becoming stagnant. The instrumentation follows precisely as needed by complimenting the atmosphere and adding the appropriate flair. For a debut EP, 'Far From Home' certainly doesn't show it.

Even though the debut EP is relatively short. At four tracks totaling nearly fourteen minutes, Seek Harbour has made a cohesive EP saturated with so much passion and emotion that repeat listens aren't just demanded; they're needed. So make sure 'Far From Home' and Seek Harbour are on your radar this Friday and in the future.

Bandcamp (Pre-order ‘Far From Home’)

‘Far From Home’ (Pre-save)

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Capstan - Separate - Album Review

Capstan - Separate - Fearless Records

Track List:

1. pretext

2. shades of us

3. take my breath away noose

4. alone (feat. shane told)

5. blurred around the edges (feat. saxl rose)

6. tongue-biter

7. abandon

8. shattered glass

9. sway (feat. charlene joan)

10. decline

When I look at the scene's landscape, especially in the category of post-hardcore bands, Capstan is still a relative mystery. And they're a mystery in a couple of ways. First, they've been making progressive post-hardcore for a while now, but they're still able to mix up their sound and keep you on your toes. Second, even though they're on a famous scene label, perhaps the most popular, at this time, they're still seemingly separate from the pack.

Perhaps, that's partly where the title of their sophomore full-length album title 'Separate' comes from. If so, it shows a band capable of deeper insight and self-awareness than many in a similar position. However, with 'Separate,' Capstan is in a challenging situation. Do they continue where EPs and their last full length (‘Restless Heart, Keep Running’) left off, championing melodic post-hardcore? Or do they add in some other popular genres and follow some of the current trends? The lure of that balance can be treacherous and has led many bands to tip the scale in sometimes unfavorable directions.

After listening to 'Separate,' though, Capstan has skillfully navigated those perils and come out the other side with another excellent addition to their discography. It has everything you want from the band, progressive and technical instrumentation, passionate screams, melodic singing, and great storytelling. But, they also stepped out of their comfort zone with a few tracks on 'Separate.' 'take my breath away noose' may be their most giant leap so far. The track sounds momentarily out of place, with a jazzy hook and pop feel. But instead of going full trend, the technical instrumentation is still there. It shows that the band has a ton of range available (and probably even more still to come).

But that isn't all. The choices to "separate" themselves from the pack can be heard in tracks like 'alone,' where the heaviness in the track is balanced throughout with a very catchy chorus. Still, when a clear opportunity for a "standard" breakdown appears, Capstan changes their sound up and falls into a beat instead. It'll be interesting to see how that track is played live, for sure. The band features a few artists as well to mix things up. First, Shane from Silverstein makes an appearance in the before-mentioned track. Later, Saxl Rose and Charlene Joan add their unique touch to their songs, differentiating and diversifying styles. All bringing something more to 'Separate.'

The point of music isn't to only find something "new" and latch on because it's...well, "new". But, when a band adds more dimensions to their sound and does it well, THAT'S when it's worth paying attention to. Capstan has continued to evolve as that band. They've always had a niche sound, but one that can consistently be expanded upon. The "heavy" is there. The melody is there. Every member is highly talented in their place in the band. Each has many moments to shine in 'Separate.' Capstan is a band that consistently impresses, and 'Separate' is another culmination of that talent that people should be paying attention to.

Website (Pre-Order/Order ‘Separate’)

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Softspoken - Where The Heart Belongs - EP Review

Softspoken - Where the Heart Belongs - EP - Independent

Track List:

1. Sleight of Hand

2. Bones

3. Where the Heart Belongs (featuring Alexia Rodriguez of Eyes Set To Kill)

4. Realign

5. The Road

One of the scene's current trends is for bands to go in a more "pop" direction by taking out or reducing unclean/screaming vocals or adding electronics. One band shaking that notion and forging their path is the band Softspoken out of Kentucky. With their new EP 'Where the Heart Belongs,' Softspoken joins a much smaller group of bands that have added a sense of aggression to their already melodic post-hardcore sound.

Softspoken has always had the melodic part of their post-hardcore style down with previous releases' Pathways' and 'Deaf Perception.' 'Where the Heart Belongs' is no different in that aspect. 'Sleight of Hand' was the first single released back in 2020, and right from the downbeat, you might think you're in for something different. By the second verse, the unclean (screaming) vocals rip through, and you KNOW this is going to be something different from previous iterations. The back and forth between unclean and clean (singing) vocals are balanced very well, and nothing comes off as overwhelming or cliche. 

The EP continues this tradition with some semi-progressive instrumentation, fun riffs, and passionate vocals. From the beginning, Softspoken creates an atmosphere of anticipation that compels you to continue listening all the way through while finding even more moments of connection. There are plenty of times where you'll find yourself singing along with the thoughtful and catchy lyrics and then simultaneously bobbing your head to a catchy beat or banging your head to a drop/breakdown. It's a collection of music that demands multiple listens to pick up on everything you may miss the first time around.

In another unique move in the scene, Softspoken has made the EP available for purchase now while releasing tracks monthly to streaming sites. It's a novel idea, especially since bands' direction seems to focus on only single releases without an EP or album follow-up. It allows fans to support Softspoken and enjoy the entire EP's story or wait for the releases over time. 

For anyone missing the early incarnation of the 'Slaves' sound, Softspoken continues the tradition of passionate and melodic post-hardcore while making it their own. Front to back, 'Where the Heart Belongs' showcases Softspoken's range. Even though the band has released two full-length albums previously, this third release shows that "maturity" doesn't have to mean "stale." There are so much talent and potential in Softspoken, and it's exciting to imagine what could come next. Keep your ears open because you won't want to miss it.

Website (Pick up ‘Where the Heart Belongs’)

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