EP REVIEW: Cherished – Liquid State

It feels like forever since Bristol post-hardcore mob LIQUID STATE have brought out something more than just a single; the fact of the matter is that it’s been four years since debut EP Save Yourself saw the light of day, but that’s a lifetime ago in music terms before you even consider there’s been a change in decade since then as well. Nevertheless, the quartet have been busy getting recordings done recently and their sophomore EP Cherished is available now as an independent release.

Unless you’re AC/DC, it goes without saying that bands have to progress and evolve with their sound in order to grow. LIQUID STATE have done just that; Save Yourself was embedded in punk rock, a raw and raucous collection of tracks that had lashings of MARMOZETS and early LOWER THAN ATLANTIS all over it, but in 2022 we find the band in more post-hardcore territory, happier to experiment with more expansive effects and backings.

Opening track White Lights brings to mind the cleaner moments of ROLO TOMASSI, whilst closing number Hollow Frames has taken a big influence from fellow hometown heroes PHOXJAW with its chaotic overlays; Bloodsport‘s big chorus melody of “Breathe in, breathe out” promises to lodge itself firmly in your head for weeks on end and Psychotic Minds is the bridging gap between where the band have come from and where they are now. Special mention must also go to guitarist Kray Zellinger who has produced and mastered the record himself – he’s done a sterling job given the different elements at play.

It wouldn’t be too unfair to say that the pandemic, like with many bands trying to break through at the end of the last decade, stopped the chances of LIQUID STATE getting bigger than they are in their tracks. Cherished will hopefully get the momentum rolling all over again.

Rating: 7/10

Cherished is out now via self-release.

Like LIQUID STATE on Facebook.