EP REVIEW: Mayday Parade Lofi – Mayday Parade

MAYDAY PARADE, one of the most iconic emo-pop veteran bands of our time, have joined forces with LESS GRAVITY to release the astonishingly good Mayday Parade Lofi EP: a compilation of lofi versions of the band’s original songs that genuinely do the tracks justice.

It can be a bit nerve-wracking when some of your favourite songs are re-released in new, innovative formats. Not every artist has the influence and history to be able to make it work, creating the unnerving fear that beloved songs could be tarnished forever. However, in MAYDAY PARADE and LESS GRAVITY’s case, there isn’t anything to be afraid of. This collaboration sparks nothing but a tug on the heartstrings and new, beautiful adaptations that can only be described as satisfyingly dreamlike.

The EP includes lofi versions of five of the band’s most well-loved anthems: Jamie All Over, Miserable At Best, Jersey, Terrible Things and Oh Well, Oh Well. Each track has been stripped to focus on the original vocal rhythms, delicately enclosed by calming, ethereal lofi beats and effects. One of the many beautiful things about this EP is how it unassertively plays on the ever-popular feeling of nostalgia. While lofi in itself is illusive and soothing, combining this genre with songs that hold such importance for many is truly a great feat.

We all know that MAYDAY PARADE’s heyday era is commonly seen as a thoroughly nostalgia-riddled time, and listening to this EP transports you back to these good old days which are now so frequently looked upon through rose-tinted glasses. In the words of MAYDAY PARADE, life can do terrible things, but this EP certainly isn’t one of them. Mayday Parade Lofi is a real testament to the collaboration’s collective creativity and talent, offering new and old fans a fresh way to honour the nostalgia of the infamous 00s emo era, without dishonouring MAYDAY PARADE’s legacy.

Rating: 8/10

Mayday Parade Lofi is out now via self-release.

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