EP REVIEW: Curtism – Curtism

Post-punk quartet CURTISM are ready to put out their self-titled debut EP. Starting out as a bedroom project for lead singer/guitarist Marin, he was then joined by three of his high school friends who have bought these four tracks to life, two of which had previously been released as solo tracks but have now been redone and reimagined.

The main inspirations behind CURTISM’s shoegaze meets post-punk sounds include the likes of DIIV, THE CURE and JOY DIVISION, and these influences are clearly heard in each track from the hooks to the vocals all the way to the psychedelic breakdowns and noises. Every song has two guaranteed features: alternative instruments that sound cool, confident and calming, and sounds that will make you imagine a kaleidoscope of colours.

Every track feels like a new experience; whether it’s the beautiful breakdown in opener doityourself that makes you want to close your eyes and sway along; or the way that Otherways uses dream-pop synths and sound effects to make you feel like you’re underwater where noise is distorted yet peaceful; or how Violons & Bille De Verre between them goes in a slightly different direction of alternative rock that would perfectly suit as the theme for a spy thriller film, while still including elements heard in the other songs.

The aforementioned kaleidoscopic feel is very prevalent in the EP’s closing track Cool Kid, which opens with a chill bassline that surges in volume as the full band joins in, creating a beautiful combination of shoegaze and alternative rock with some surf rock elements sprinkled in. It’s during the first chorus that we hear the psychedelic influence and as things progress you find yourself picturing a live scene as CURTISM perform in a variety of colours reflected from the lights and the imagery shown behind them. It just feels beautiful and leaves you in a state of calm, even when the punk elements come through in the final minute with vocals turning a little more shouty.

Given this is their first EP, and that each song was written in a bedroom, it’s incredible how CURTISM have created something that not only sounds beautiful but transports you to a different part of reality. What more can be said other than we want to hear more.

Rating: 8/10

Curtism is set for release on July 12th via Hazard Records.

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