Category: EP Reviews

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EP Reviews

BIG SPECIAL

BIG SPECIAL

‘O’JOY!’

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BIG SPECIAL – O’JOY! – EP REVIEW

Over the course of their two studio albums, ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’ and ‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’, BIG SPECIAL have already staked their claim to be one of the most frank, visceral and fascinating bands of their time.

The pace of their releases and associated rise has been swift and they are already back with another record for fans to get their teeth into. This time in the shape of an EP (although traditionalists may argue that ten tracks and thirty minutes is an LP not an EP), ‘O’JOY!’.

There is a mixture of tracks that didn’t fit their two albums and some recent singles such as ‘PLAINTIVE NATIVE’, ‘SLUGLIFE’ and ‘DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side)’.

There is therefore a natural familiarity to the EP, albeit a disjointed one with the clever pacing of their albums limited by the varied origins of these tracks. Arguable there isn’t much that will stand out beyond those singles, but at the same time if these are so called offcuts then this does again highlight how valuable this duo are as songwriters of these troubling times.

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THE HOWLING

THE HOWLING

‘SALVO’

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THE HOWLING – SALVO – EP REVIEW

Out of the ashes of previous bands comes THE HOWLING. The band have just announced themselves on the scene with a support slot across the UK and Europe with Creeper, and now they share their debut EP, their opening salvo – ‘SALVO’!

With frontman Mikey Lord and co bringing a dark cinematic aesthetic and a theatrical style to not just their music but their entire package – that obviously feels like a match made in heaven (or perhaps the depths of hell mwahahaha). It’s time now however for the band to show what they bring to the table.

Well, that would be big sing-a-longs and an ambitious punk-tinged sound which these five tracks demonstrate perfectly. You can really feel the passion put into these tracks and the desire to build a world around this new project.

‘SALVO’ is therefore a fine opening offering and is a really exciting sign of what’s to come!

Watch Episode 76 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests THE HOWLING!

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 76 – THE HOWLING

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Dead Pony

Dead Pony

‘Eat My Dust!’

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DEAD PONY – EAT MY DUST! – EP REVIEW

2024’s debut album, ‘IGNORE THIS’, was a breakthrough statement from a band already turning heads. Now with their latest EP, Dead Pony are out to reinforce that in fact they simply cannot be ignored!

The title-track led the way and served as a reminder that they have already cultivated a standout sound which harnesses the best of modern rock with added indie swagger and punk attitude.

The EP as a whole however seeks to further reinforce the notion that they defy genre. When such obvious and yet varied influences can be identified it can sometimes feel like a band is seeing what will stick without really knowing what they are, but with Dead Pony you sense the opposite.

This is a fluid sonic explosion designed for maximum impact and with the likes of ‘Freak Like Me’ manifesting in such catchy way it is seemingly going to be impossible to ignore the band. So, if you’re late to the party – ‘Eat My Dust!’ is the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with the force of nature that is Dead Pony!

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KNIFE BRIDE

KNIFE BRIDE

‘sorry about the plague’

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KNIFE BRIDE – Sorry about the plague – ep review

2023’s debut EP, ‘don’t dream too much’ introduced us to the world of KNIFE BRIDE. Creating a cinematic universe of their own that weaves throughout their music, the band engaged fans enough to earn bigger opportunities and begin building their reputation.

With impressive sets at Download and 2000trees in 2024, the end of last year saw them begin the road to their second EP, ‘sorry about the plague’ with lead single, ‘alone at the altar’. Insatiably catchy, the track sets the tone by opening the record and revealing an expanded sonic ambition.

Harnessing the melodic devastation of modern metal music, this EP is bigger and bolder than their debut and really finds a band pushing themselves musically and lyrically. Thematically the album continues their look at the human condition and the emotions and experiences that shape us.

With emotive writing and blistering riffage throughout, there is plenty to get invested in on this EP. This feels however like just the beginning for KNIFE BRIDE!

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Our Nameless Boy

Our Nameless Boy

‘Thorns’

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OUR NAMELESS BOY – THORNS – EP REVIEW

After a deeply personal debut album introduced Bristol-based alt-rockers Our Nameless Boy to the world in 2021, they return with a new EP taking aim at the state of this messed up world!

‘Thorns’ as a collection is designed to invoke empathy and understanding at a time when nobody seems to care and nothing seems to make any sense. As such these four tracks feel very immediate and demand your attention.

‘’38’ and ‘(Not In My Name)’ bring this passionate plea to life with great energy and a targeted dose of rage. The title-track and ‘Little Bird’ then introduce a more thoughtful and elegant ambience to the sound whilst maintaining the same sense of lyrical direction and dissection of the human element.

Considering that, it’s a grand achievement that once again the band deliver a record that is at its very core… human.

Watch Episode 84 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Our Nameless Boy

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 84 – Our Nameless Boy

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Blush Puppy

Blush Puppy

‘HERE YOU DREAM’

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BLUSH PUPPY – HERE YOU DREAM – EP REVIEW

Having featured Blush Puppy in our 2026 ‘Ones to Watch’, we were excited to hit play on their five-song debut EP, ‘HERE YOU DREAM’. Such a release is always a big moment for new bands, and this EP gives listeners a great first impression of what this group are all about.

One of the things that stands out is that these songs feel truly collaborative. The tracks are cohesive and the vocal interchanges help to generate a communal sense of hope and togetherness.

Lyrically exploring the varied and shared challenges of life with an emotive connection, these tracks will offer a good degree of relatively and understanding to listeners. Musically these songs are as solid an example of how to do modern alt-rock as you could expect from any debut release.

With renowned producer Adrian Bushby steering the band through the recording, that shouldn’t be a surprise. Indeed, the rock is rocky and the pop is poppy. There are various genre’s merging together here and each adds fascinating textures to a well-rounded and expertly produced set of songs.

So enjoy this record and make sure that you do keep watch as we suggested, because on this evidence Blush Puppy are going to be making some positive noise!

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U2

U2

‘Easter Lily’

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u2 – easter lily – ep review

Back in February, the legendary U2 surprised their fans with the unannounced drop of a new EP on Ash Wednesday. Now as fans begin their Easter holidays, the band again surprise them with new EP, ‘Easter Lily’, arriving on Good Friday.

An album is still said to be on the way, but the band have chosen to again release a thematically linked collection of songs that felt like they needed their own space. Unlike the ‘Days of Ash’ which focused on protesting the state of the world, ‘Easter Lily’ is more about the personal side of living in it.

Sonically based within the grander scales of the U2 songbook, this for an EP is a meatier experience, with the six tracks clocking in at a total of thirty-two and half minutes. Each track is given it’s time to breathe and the collection therefore demands your attention.

Both of the EP’s combined have shown that U2 are still creatively as urgent as ever and on the back of two strong EP’s you can’t help but get excited for the promised album’s arrival!

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fakeyourdeath

fakeyourdeath

‘(NON)ENTITY’

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FAKEYOURDEATH – (NON)ENTITY – EP REVIEW

fakeyourdeath emerged with their debut EP, ‘null/void’, in 2024 and started to make a noise with their visceral live shows. Now as they unshackle themselves on new EP, ‘(NON)ENTITY’, you can’t help but truly hear them.

Comprised of four new tracks, this EP is evolutionary for the duo with their electronicore sound fusing an industrial heartbeat with post-hardcore and electronic elements to create something entrancing.

With raw and penetrating lyrics which open up on mental health and the state of the world, these are songs you can identify with. ‘X/Y’ and ‘Shapeshifter’ set the EP up strongly and now ‘R.I.P.M.E’ and ‘The Parasite That Never Gives In’ bring it home superbly.

Make no mistake, this is big. What a statement from a band increasingly developing into something you can’t afford to ignore!

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Black Stone Cherry

Black Stone Cherry

‘Celebrate’

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BLACK STONE CHERRY – CELEBRATE – EP REVIEW

Black Stone Cherry are eight albums into their career and given their usual release schedule we should be expecting another album right about now. Instead, the Kentucky rockers are returning with something a little shorter – a seven track EP!

‘Celebrate’ is comprised of six originals and as fun cover of Simple Minds classic ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’. Whilst it may be a shorter than their usual releases it doesn’t lack in any other area.

These tracks are still packed full of monstrous riffs, driving rhythm, heartfelt lyrics and one heck of a punch. That punch comes both from the heavy rockers and the tender ballad ‘Need’ which is an incredibly personal track that in true Black Stone Cherry fashion is able to speak to your soul.

There’s a reason why the UK has adopted Black Stone Cherry as their own, and this collection is able to sum that up perfectly. So, in the truest sense, ‘Celebrate’ is a celebration of Black Stone Cherry up to this point!

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Autumn Fires

Autumn Fires

‘BLOOM.’

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AUTUMN FIRES – BLOOM. – EP REVIEW

Milton Keynes might not be the first place you think of when you think about pop-punk but it does have a great new five-piece group to offer. Yes, Autumn Fires have been making their mark recently and now double down with their latest EP, ‘BLOOM.’!

Winners of ‘The Deal’, the band have benefited from the support of Marshall Records and the studio wizardry of Romesh Dodangoda for this four-track collection and that certainly contributes to a polished sound which enhances the poppier elements perfectly.

All the elements that you’d want from a proud pop-punk record are present and correct though including those catchy hooks, bouncy riffs and relatable lyrics. Led by lead single ‘Fall For You’, each of these tracks passionately flies the genre’s flag and showcases Autumn Fires as genuine contenders.

EP’s are fantastic for providing an accessible snapshot of what a band can achieve, particularly one at the front end of their career. ‘BLOOM.’ is therefore an ideal way for Autumn Fires to introduce themselves to a bigger audience!

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