EP REVIEW: New Language – Dead Lakes
New Language is DEAD LAKES’ follow up to their 2018 EP Nothing is Sacred, and the improvement in just two years is obvious. A young band that veer into R&B and pop territory while still keeping their feet grounded in big rock and roll hooks, DEAD LAKES draw instant comparisons with similar crossover artists like ISSUES and PALISADES, and to an extent those comparisons would be fair, however DEAD LAKES seem to veer even further into experimental territory than those two, and could hardly be described as a metalcore band like those contemporaries.
Sometimes crossovers between genres can feel forced or like a cash grab, but on New Language it is clear that DEAD LAKES are no amateurs, and there is passion for this – both in the music and behind the lyrics. It is only 17 minutes in length total but they will be some of the most unique 17 minutes of music that you will ever hear, alternating between making you want to dance and making you want to cry – or indeed both at the same time.
Vocalist Sumner Peterson is the key factor in the success of this experimental piece, having one of those unique styles that sound naturally well produced. Being supported by the rest of the band who are also incredibly tight also helps, especially considering the fact that the instrumentals are laid as a foundation for Peterson to build upon – they do not try and compete with each other or run the risk of drowning out the vocals, instead serving in a pop style of being a base for the vocalist. It is a unique angle to take in modern rock, however this is a style of pop music – especially that which is based around a single vocalist – and so demonstrates even further their crossover appeal.
While they are musically tight, the lyrics are also not bland fare, with Peterson having written some soul-baring words about his anxiety attacks and role as “a young adult who continues to struggle with life’s biggest questions and struggling to fit into society.” Despite this, however, there is optimism behind DEAD LAKES, and “whether the passing of a close friend, mitigating the circumstances of betrayal, or burdened with feeling of hopelessness, the melodic urgency and sincere optimism underlying DEAD LAKES music always persists right below the surface.”
It is this optimism that makes their crossover into the realm of pop work so well, while darkness has always been prevalent in metal, in a more mainstream culture there is much more optimism in music, and DEAD LAKES’ sense of resilience speaks volumes of a band who are still at the beginning of their career but already looking towards the future. Peterson also has exactly the right type of voice for positive music, not too gravelly but rather lighter and melodic – exactly like their music.
With the recent success of bands similar to DEAD LAKES not only in the ‘alternative’ world but also crossing over into mainstream culture such as PVRIS and ISSUES, it is clear that the sky is the limit for DEAD LAKES, and the anticipation building around their eventual debut full-length release will surely be at an all-time high by then. It will be interesting to see however whether they can keep up their signature blend of optimism and infectious grooves over the length of a full length LP – but one thing is certain, interesting things are coming from DEAD LAKES. New Language is a fantastic addition to their discography, and sets the tone that they are not here to be a flash in the pan but rather are here to stay.
Rating: 7/10
New Language is set for release May 1st via Sharptone Records.
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