EP REVIEW: Becoming – Hit Like A Girl

Embracing change is one thing, but going from melodic alt pop to metallic hardcore is quite another. However, Nicolle Maroulis and their bandmates in HIT LIKE A GIRL have done just that. After being inspired by a chaotic and mind blowing set from the rising stars of mathcore THE CALLOUS DAOBOYS at FEST’21, Nicolle and their bandmate Evelyn Flynn Gray found the creative spark they needed and thus Becoming was created.

From blood curdling screams, visceral growls and groove laden hardcore riffs intermingled with group chants and cello infused breakdowns, Becoming is the product of vibrant experimentation. It is exciting to see a band pull off a complete genre switch in aid of scratching an artistic itch, as it often brings fresh ideas to a genre. This is prevalent on Becoming, as HIT LIKE A GIRL take the established hardcore format and infuse it with obscure sharp synths and frantic lead melodies.

The chaotic energy and lust for experimenting is palpable, as no idea is to brazen to try. The likes of Noose contains symphonic style synths before erupting into a ruthless hardcore breakdown that will fuel many mosh pits. In The Crypt boasts anthemic, clean chorus vocal melodies that are reminiscent of the band’s earlier work, sandwiched between tempestuous hardcore growls of rage. Whilst the inspirational effect that THE CALLOUS DAOBOYS has had on the band is evident, it is clear that it was only reference material, as HIT LIKE A GIRL have put their own twist on this mathy brand of hardcore.

The inspiration to throw all caution to the wind and branch out into the discordant, dissonant world of metallic hardcore is a ballsy call, but HIT LIKE A GIRL have embraced all its facets an EP that could run with the best of them.

Rating: 8/10

Becoming is set for release on November 18th via Refresh Records.

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