“You ask if I’m ready to die for an extra hit on a Saturday night.“
Over the past few years, Still_bloom have been a unit who have grafted their way through the ranks of nu-metalcore space. Early material in Downer_ and Melancholia showed potential, with murky and rampant melodies that created an atmosphere of melancholic gloom. Each release showed increasing improvement to production, and Still_bloom arguably became realised with their 2022 EP, become as gods. With its incredible artwork and tightened production that still maintained the characteristics of their sound, it all seemed to finally click into place for the Houston unit.
The new year has now brought Euphoria_ upon us, which was introduced with single and opening track “benzodope“. The scratchboard guitars command the track with some nice, groovy drum work to boot. With clean vocals on the chorus giving a ’00s alternative rock feel to the track, it’s a shift in gears that has given Still_bloom one of their strongest outings to date. Further, the opener sets the stage for what is an EP replete with subtle nuance within the band’s established soundscape.
Following track “Burnout95” bleeds anguish, standing as another rager that Still_bloom have made their trademark over the years, with the band at this point almost setting an outright expectation that each of their records will contain solid, hard-hitting tracks of this manner. It’s also when the suffering present in Euphoria_‘s lyricism and delivery begins to sink in, leading into a narrative descent.
“Why does it scare me when I remember I’ve got nothing to lose?” utters interlude-esque track “YAMA黑绳“, as the EP delves into its darkest moments and deep intrusive thoughts. This seamlessly flows into closer and title track, “euphoria_“. With harsh vocals that seem on the verge of bursting from their tension, this palpable aggression is juxtaposed with an ethereal chorus that really gives a sense of climactic glory, proving to be an appropriate closer to the project through its heightened dynamics. There is an air of grief to the track too, making it perhaps one of the most pertinently potent songs from Still_bloom to date.
With Euphoria_, Still_bloom have interlaced a sound that have solidified over the years with sheer emotion. While previous material did blend in amongst its peers, with this release there is something distinct that will hopefully push Still_bloom to the forefront. Its emotive nature layered with a striking and aggressive sound conjures a short but impactful experience that sticks in the mind of the listener. If this can be fully realised in a full-length, this unit might just see themselves as the bar-setter for the genre.
7.5/10
Euphoria_ is out now via self-release, and can be streamed here.