“No contentment, I struggle in vain. In search of purpose, still I remain.”
In their relatively short time in the scene, metallic hardcore outfit Earth Groans have already carved a unique sonic niche. Since their 2017 debut EP Renovate, the South Dakota group have employed a chaotic, dissonance-heavy sound, a refreshing take on a classic style. Led by the vision of frontman Jeremy Schaeffer and his glorious handlebar moustache, the band have released a steady stream of bite-sized EPs, a strategy that works well for the band’s style. This brings us to their latest effort, Tongue Tied.
Thematically, the EP presents a dualistic message through its title. Schaeffer details a personal story, where he was literally born tongue tied due to a childhood ailment, which required surgery to remedy. Metaphorically, it also discusses his difficulty fitting in all his life, and how he was able to find his voice through music.
Beginning with its self-titled track, Earth Groans waste no time getting into the chaos, blasting into frantic instrumentation after a deceptively clean intro. Telling a story of finding one’s voice, Schaeffer sounds more ferocious than ever. His vocal delivery is notedly more varied and tighter than on previous records. The track culminates in an airy, ambient breakdown after yet another clean break.
Pre-release single “Overgrown” provides a solid first step, featuring a melodic twist to the guitar work in the leads. A standout in their discography, the track is punchy and filled with riffy momentum. “Over The Edge” opens with menacing tremolo riffs, transitioning into a fast-paced and headbang-worthy track. Complete with satisfying breakdowns and a catchy hook, the track utilises the Earth Groans formula to good effect.
The band’s hardcore punk influences show heavily in “Same Blood”, as the drum rhythms that follow are extremely reminiscent of that style. Lyrically, it deals once again with some heavy themes, confronting the issues of discrimination, racism, and homophobia with sonic aggression. It is easy to see, listening to Tongue Tied, just how much of themselves Earth Groans puts into their music. The track ends in a dissonance-filled breakdown that transitions into closer “Discordant Symphony”. With an explosive intro of downtuned guitars and rapid kicks, the instrumentation borders on deathcore. An ascending dissonant riff follows the verses, living up to the song’s title. Tempo shifts keep the listener on their toes as the track continually builds in heaviness. This eventually climaxes in a guttural from Schaeffer into a crushing breakdown, providing a fulfilling end to the release.
Tongue Tied plants itself as a satisfying development in the Earth Groans discography. It sees the band innovating in a genre that can be prone to monotony, bringing in melodic elements and intricately tight musicianship that builds upon its already solid foundation. Perhaps the only thing missing is just a touch more of the melodic elements presented on “Overgrown”. Vocally, Schaeffer brings his best in his best performance yet. One of the themes discussed on the EP is fighting stagnation, and Schaeffer’s vocal improvements show a clear commitment to that. In closing, the EP is a complete and brutal package, sure to satisfy most who listen to it.
8.5/10
Tongue Tied releases March 3rd via Solid State Records.