EP REVIEW: BRAT METAL – Eville
Emerging from Brighton’s alt scene with a smirk and a nail-polished middle finger, EVILLE’s debut EP BRAT METAL is a brash, unapologetic declaration of intent. As the title suggests, this young British trio, comprised of lead singer/guitarist Eva Sheldrake, bassist/vocalist Jude Richards and drummer Milo Hemsley, plants its flag firmly in the fertile ground between nu-metal revival and hyper-pop sensibility, crafting a sound that is strangely nostalgic for a band who weren’t even born during the era’s heyday and yet defiantly modern. While the four track collection occasionally stumbles with juvenile growing pains, EVILLE deliver a potent, high-energy blast wave that cements their self-proclaimed ‘brat metal’ aesthetic.
From the outset, their mission statement is clear. The opening track BR4T MBL kicks off with a punchy, video-game-inspired intro before launching into a 90s-tinged riff-fest, complete with Eva’s signature sourly rapped verses. It’s a fun, synthwave-kissed banger that fans of ALT BLK ERA will gravitate towards, and showcases EVILLE’s band’s core strength – the devastating ability to launch into a very solid breakdown. This is a theme that runs throughout the EP; and the hyper-confident girl-power anthem No Pictures Please follows, seeing Eva deftly balance rap, singing, and shockingly guttural vocals, which both Jude and herself have started to nail compared to earlier singles. While the lyrics lean into corny territory, its catchy, anthemic chorus is designed for easy crowd follow-alongs and for encouraging a chaotic dancefloor, showing that the band understands their opener assignment of capturing new listeners with a short, sharp shock.
However, this EP isn’t without its missteps. A consistent critique across all four songs is their desperate brevity and lyrical depth that often feels sacrificed at the altar of immediacy. Bikini Top namely falters with a dreadful, cringe-inducing opening that its sliding bassline just can’t salvage. The repetitive lyrics and slower tempo lack the chantable energy of its companions, and the absence of a strong bridge leaves the track feeling undercooked and monotonous. It’s a rare moment where the ‘brat’ persona feels less like a strength and more like a liability of their youth.
Yet, just as hope might waver, BRAT METAL closes with its most promising track, Accidents Happen. Here, EVILLE trades 100% distilled hyperactivity for sultry, simmering anger. The track showcases a newfound depth, beautifully pairing Eva’s and Jude’s vocals in a soft chorus that erupts into showcases of screaming range and ability. It’s a track that suggests that there could be a more nuanced future for the band, one where their sonic aggression is complemented by emotional complexity, landing them in a territory similar to HARPY and KNIFE BRIDE.
Whilst even the most upbeat tracks could benefit from a little more lyrical substance, despite these growing pains, BRAT METAL is an undeniably successful baby debut. The riot girl theming is cohesive, the energy is cutesy and infectious, and (when they nail the formula) the results are mosh-pit gold. EVILLE may still be polishing their dagger, but with this EP, they’ve made one thing abundantly clear: ‘Brat Metal’ is here to stay, and they are leading the charge.
Rating: 7/10
BR4T METAL is out now via self-release.
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