EP REVIEW: Full Circle – Caustic Waves

CAUSTIC WAVES is the latest project from Glasgow-based producer Neil Thomas, and their first EP Full Circle is ready for release. Thomas has plenty of past experiences in bands, and aims for CAUSTIC WAVES to be his contribution to the alternative revival we’ve been seeing recently. Produced, engineered and mixed himself, Full Circle hopes to completely encapsulate that classic alternative rock sound, with a fresh take on modern issues and the changing world.

Opening with Knocking At My Door, that DIY punk feel is immediately obvious. The grunge rock style vocals are likeable from the beginning, with interesting lyrics. The chorus, while slightly simplistic at times, is undeniably catchy. Keeping variation throughout the song are the guitars, which switch up cleverly in the bridge. Generally, it’s a pretty good example of the sound and what to expect in the EP. Next is Invisible Enemy, an interesting take on COVID. The sound is classic punk rock, with heavy drums and strong vocals. While the lyrics are blatantly detailing the emotions and questions that appeared during lockdown, which can be relatable to anybody listening, it’s possible they come across as a bit too obvious and maybe without a lot of depth, and the use of the term ‘covidiots’ could prove controversial. However, the lyrics carry a refreshing optimism, so it doesn’t entirely miss the mark.

Barriers demonstrates some more impressive lyrics, bringing a darker side and an addictive chorus. This track is moody and disjointed in the verses and upbeat and positive in the chorus, and is definitely the most musically interesting song on the EP. Changing the pace slightly is Idiocracy, and the first noticeable element is the range in the vocals, which are certainly more experimental but work well. The guitars consistently build, with layered vocals creating a good mix of irony and positivity. There seems to be a clear, passionate message here, which was definitely needed. Closing out the EP is Evolution, a guitar-driven track with loads of variation and an addictive sound. It ends the record on a heavier note, with dramatic vocals and a little scream really leaving an impact.

In the true spirit of punk rock, this is a thought-provoking classically DIY EP, born in the turbulent times of the last few years. While some of the tracks don’t necessarily hit, others really do. Full Circle is a clear demonstration of everything CAUSTIC WAVES can do, and now Thomas has returned to making music, it’ll be interesting to see where this project will take him next.

Rating: 7/10

Full Circle is set for release on March 3rd via self-release.

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