“Who the fuck cares if you’re the one keeping the score?“
In today’s music landscape, it’s increasingly rare for a modern band to draw heavily from their influences without sounding repetitive or clichéd. You’re probably already thinking of a few guilty parties. It’s a persistent reality of the industry, one we may never fully escape, but it’s essential to resist. If we don’t, we risk an ever-growing flood of uninspired “slop,” lazy artistry, and the slow death of creativity. Thankfully, En Masse are a shining exception. Wearing their influences proudly, they manage to breathe fresh life into a space too often stifled by imitation.
Following their 2023 debut “Burdened Youth“, newviolenttrends sees the band pushing their creative boundaries, weaving together the sonic threads of the artists that shaped them. The result is a distinct blend of “White Pony” era Deftones with flashes of early Glassjaw, clear inspirations, but never derivative. En Masse don’t merely echo their forebears; they expand on them, transforming familiar elements into something uniquely their own. newviolenttrends is a short but striking release, a love letter to the band’s contemporaries and a blueprint for how influence can be wielded with intention and originality.
The opening track, “justthisonce,” makes this clear from the outset. It’s playful and brimming with infectious energy, driven by alt-rock grooves, impassioned clean vocals, and a crisp, polished mix. It’s simple but effective, and instantly signals that En Masse are aiming for new heights.
“masq” follows with a messier, more aggressive energy, in the best way possible. Vocalist Zack Santiago effortlessly shifts between smooth, melodic cleans and raw, erratic screams. This contrast highlights his vocal prowess and, paired with tight instrumentation, delivers a thrilling listen. With its high energy and chant-worthy moments, it’s destined to become a live favourite, and with it’s abrupt ending, there’s certain to be plenty of improvisation made to extend it.
“taketwo” offers a moment of calm, slowing the pace significantly. More atmospheric and introspective, it dips into shoegaze territory, showing yet another side of the band’s range. While beautifully executed, it feels slightly out of place on an EP so short and tightly constructed. It’s a solid track in isolation, but perhaps would’ve been better suited for a full-length album where its slower build could find more room to breathe.
The EP closes with “celine,” a return to the erratic energy of “justthisonce“, but turned up several notches. Towering, echoed clean vocals crash against unfiltered, visceral screams, creating something truly gripping. Heavier in tone and intention, “celine” is a showcase of the band’s range, closing the record in a storm of layered noise that leaves you wondering what’s next.
What’s most impressive about newviolenttrends is its versatility. Each track stands strong on its own while contributing to a cohesive whole, a rare feat even among more seasoned acts. Whether it’s the band’s natural chemistry or the production prowess of Adam Cichocki (Timber Studios, Gatherers), who handled recording, mixing, and mastering, the attention to detail is evident. In an age saturated with derivative acts chasing nostalgia for relevance, En Masse offer a refreshing and thoughtful take on post-hardcore’s evolution. Let’s hope this is just the beginning.
8/10
newviolenttrends releases June 20th via Fever Ltd and can be purchased here.