EP REVIEW: Intrusive Thoughts – Recollection

On Intrusive Thoughts, RECOLLECTION take a vignette-like approach to nostalgia and reflection. Blending melodic hardcore with the urgency of punk and the hook-focused melodies of indie, their sound sees them presenting four tracks that are consistently punchy and emotionally charged. 

Opening track Lost In Translation gently pulls you in with atmospheric guitar lines before striking at the EP’s beating heart as urgent and impassioned vocals take the forefront. Moving into energetic rhythms and groove filled melodies, there’s not a moment on the EP that isn’t pushing forwards. It reaches real heights on Turntable with the EP’s catchiest hook, switching between razor sharp vocal delivery and an undeniably catchy chorus that hooks onto the deja-vu filled reflections at the EP’s core. 

Throughout the EP, these lyrical threads of reminiscence punctuate each moment. Title track Intrusive Thoughts is haunted by ruminations, with the confession “All senses numb intrusive thoughts come along. Can’t shake em, can’t let em go” blending anxiety with self reflection. The track also welcomes vocalist Josh Hynes’ wife Cherish on vocals, offering a compelling and poignant melodic counterpoint within the chorus’ harmonies.

These thematic threads and sonic urgency reach a head on the EP’s closing track Son. As the EP concludes on the note “I know you’re with me, we’ll see it through. And if you lose your way, I’ll be here to find you”, clarity and catharsis has been found amongst the reflections, and RECOLLECTION hit one final strike at the EP’s heart. 

Succinct in its approach, Intrusive Thoughts wastes no time presenting what RECOLLECTION have to offer. The EP’s emotional threads are bolstered by the punchiness of the songwriting, and with Intrusive Thoughts, RECOLLECTION present a snappy and resonant balance between sonic dynamism and emotional sincerity. 

Rating: 8/10

Intrusive Thoughts is out now via DAZE.

Follow RECOLLECTION on Instagram.