EP REVIEW: Common Wounds – Common Wounds

COMMON WOUNDS are a revamped and refreshed version of DEAD HISTORY, an Arizona-based post-hardcore band. With a new name and some new members, their self-titled debut EP is sure to be a clear reflection of everything they now represent. Founded by Ian Lanspeary (RUN WITH THE HUNTED) and Matt Martinez (LANDMINE MARATHON), COMMON WOUNDS is a fairly new project, with a refreshed sense of passion after the pandemic. Inspiring much of their music is their home city of Phoenix; with the combination of the heat from the desert, and a disconnection from everywhere else, the band are influenced by the creativity that surrounds them.

Opening with a piercing siren and disjointed, heavy guitars is Lament, an intensive and urgent track. The vocals are gritty and aggressive, commanding attention from the beginning, with the lyrics channelling feverish desperation. The guitars vary between more melodic and thrashing sounds, keeping interest and bringing in multiple dimensions. As the song drops, accompanied by heavy screams, the ferocity is definitely likeable.

Next is Hit Or Miss, another fast, extreme song with addictive guitars. The drums are driven and harsh, and a key element. The vocals sound slightly different here, with a new sense of clarity and strength. The chorus is catchier, driving the message home and ensuring that the track really packs a punch. High/Low kicks in immediately after, with unforgiving, aggressive guitars and more emotional, hard-hitting lyrics.

Changing the pace slightly in No Exit, a more gentle track with intricate guitars, isolated drums and defeated sounding vocals. The lyrics are extremely well written, heartfelt and painful, giving listeners an opportunity to really connect with the band. Building steadily, screams are introduced and bring in a new level of desperation. While the rest of the EP is definitely enjoyable, this is the track that really stands out.

Ending with Phantom Limb, the bass is the element that really pulls this song together, feeling deliberate compared to the chaos around it. After an intensely sad EP, this one feels like a cathartic outburst, with tinges of anguish in the vocals. Elevating the song is the personal level to it, with the emotional release in the lyrics making it impossible to not feel both the hurt and celebration conveyed.

While this debut EP is short, it is punchy and hard-hitting, and presents extremely strong emotions. Through only five songs, COMMON WOUNDS have made a clear statement: they are not a band to be ignored.

Rating: 8/10

Common Wounds is set for release on March 10th via Protagonist Music.

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