EP REVIEW: Collapse – Lovelost

Bringing a refreshing blend of emo and alt-rock into 2024, British quartet LOVELOST debuted with their EP Collapse on September 20th. Kicking off the six-track record with the melodic single Burnbright, the band lure the listener in with soft vocals and a simple sweetness, slowly introducing heavier metalcore elements in the bridge, and beginning the narrative that this group encapsulates so well.

LOVELOST have a rare skill of being able to wield typically heavy-sounding instruments and command them in their music in a way which isn’t overpowering to listen to, even when utilising recurrent metal elements like screaming. This relaxed feeling continues with When The Panic Sets In, incorporating boppy electronic synths which create a soft high against the despondent melody. There are aspects here to draw almost every alternative music fan in – it is difficult to categorise LOVELOST as predominantly emo, metalcore, or anything else. Their influences are widespread, citing UNDEROATH, FIGHTSTAR and SILVERSTEIN in the development of this record.

The slow build of their songs to crescendo however, can be somewhat predictable – there is something left to be desired in the vocal harmonies. Juxtaposing the absence of sound and heavily layered production could build the emotion of these songs even further and elevate their neatly crafted sound; the climax of Losing Everything is an example of this, an avenue left waiting to be explored.

It is clear these Bristolian boys are not afraid to put their hearts on the table; throughout the EP there is a distinct vulnerability in their lyrics and yet they maintain a continuous energetic feeling. Pour The Salt In is this EP’s highlight and an encapsulation of all of the above sentiments in just three minutes and 45 seconds. Closing with Wither Below is almost jarring by comparison, ending with a discordant guitar note and setting the expectation of more to come.

Collapse is a strong taster of what LOVELOST have to offer, and fans of scene-stealers like SLEEP TOKEN’s Take Me Back To Eden and BRING ME THE HORIZON’s That’s The Spirit will find them a perfect appetiser for something moody and familiar.

Rating: 7/10

Collapse is out now via Year Of The Rat Records.

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