EP REVIEW: IYKYK – Picturesque
Even though PICTURESQUE were formed almost a decade ago, their latest EP release IYKYK proves that they are still as relatable as ever. The alt rock/post-hardcore four-piece from Lexington, Kentucky have come a long way since their self-titled debut back in 2014. Successfully merging blasts from the past with a more modern approach to the two genres, PICTURESQUE have a clear vision of who they were and who they are now, becoming stronger and more united as a musical unit as a result.
Following on from promotional singles Hopeless and Strange Habits, PICTURESQUE‘s most recent effort IYKYK promises big things. It may be their most vulnerable and honest record yet, with references to some real-life situations that have previously occurred in the members’ personal lives. This is a true sign that PICTURESQUE are more than ready to evolve in this ever-changing music landscape and we can’t wait to hear what this release brings.
The first track on IYKYK is Strange Habits. The first few seconds manage to create a sense of intrigue and wonder before the slick vocals of Kyle Hollis creep in. The initial verse has an almost R&B feel to it leading up to the evidently catchy chorus that will leave you well and truly hooked. By this point, you begin to realise that Hollis has a very similar vocal style to that of SLEEPING WITH SIRENS‘ Kellin Quinn – which is not a bad comparison in the slightest. As the track goes on, it becomes obvious that this has set a really high bar for the rest of the EP to follow.
Next up is Borrowing Problems. This has a very similar feel to the last song. However, the chorus is a little more forgettable, unfortunately. Regardless of this, the mix and production of this track is impeccable and is definitely not something to be glazed over. The third track Hopeless is most certainly one of the rawest on the EP. Hollins‘ vocals merge into almost a rap, whilst ultimately tackling some of the most personal topics on the release, one of which is of Hollins‘ experience in childhood, as told by guitarist Zach Williamson, of being “kidnapped by his biological mother. ‘Kidnap’ may be a strong word, but that’s the word Kyle uses—he was taken away from his father and held and nobody was able to contact him. And basically his dad and a private detective came to grab him and take him back. So we took inspiration from being stuck in this kind of rundown house in southern Arkansas and put it into the verses a little bit.” Despite the song being inevitably hard to write and record, Hopeless ultimately stands out as one of the strongest tracks on the EP.
Break It All has a SLEEPING WITH SIRENS feel from the offset, containing another fantastic chorus which is most definitely going to be stuck in your head for days to come. Hollins‘ vocals continue to croon on Waterson West. PICTURESQUE successfully change things up yet again with the integration of more rap-like vocals in the chorus, which works well. The closing track on the EP is Dance With The Devil – an ode to BREAKING BENJAMIN, no?! Even though this is the heaviest song on the release with the post-hardcore inspired chorus breakdown, this one does leave a little to be desired, sadly.
Overall, IYKYK is a solid alt rock/post hardcore record. There are standout tracks on the release that help to elevate its position, such as Hopeless and Break It All. Even though they have been a musical collective for nine years, it appears that PICTURESQUE are still trying to find their sound. IYKYK is still worth a listen though, that’s for sure.
Rating: 7/10
IYKYK is out now via Rude Records/Equal Vision Records.
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