EP REVIEW: Natural Causes – Lurk
It is now LURK‘s time to shine! A lot has changed in the six years since the Chicago punk rockers formation back in 2017. The band seem eager to embrace their adventurous streak musically. LURK released promotional singles Honey Hive and Dark Humor earlier in the year as a predecessor of what’s to come with brand new EP Natural Causes. Even though LURK evidently have the grit and energy of fellow punk acts such as IGGY POP and THE HIVES, this band are paving their own path in the industry with their openness and honesty; ultimately proving that they are here to make a statement.
The opening track on this EP is Natural Causes. Starting off with an angsty melody, we are truly excited to see what this track has to offer. As soon as Kevin Kiley‘s vocals kick in, our ears prick up with intrigue. Those two minutes and 51 seconds disappeared in a flash! World On A String is up next. On this track, you can really depict the rawness in Kiley‘s voice. Even though the initial musical hook is fantastic, this song leaves a lot to be desired, unfortunately. Honey Hive is a real improvement with Kiley‘s vocal delivery getting increasingly stronger in the chorus. It is at this point that you realise that this section sounds very similar to that of FOO FIGHTERS, with Kiley beginning to gain fantastic vocal power like frontman Dave Grohl. This is definitely the best track on the release so far – the guitar melody in the latter section of the song is just so great.
1229 contains a memorable opening melody which feeds its way throughout the track. However, this is probably the only redeeming feature of the song. Dark Humor is the track that manages to transport LURK to the present day, discussing the realities of toxic online culture; “This song is about how toxic of a place the internet can be. It can be addicting yet so terrible for your mental health. People act as if they’re shielded from reality when they engage with others on social media but forget that they are talking with real people and that there are real consequences for words. At the same time, there’s this hive mind mentality where people encourage or influence each other to keep that behavior going. Oftentimes what might start out with someone seeking justice and perhaps being in the right, will turn into that person being just as wrong. It’s cop behavior.” By the time we arrive at the final track Pedestrian, we are a little relived that this EP is coming to an end. Considering this is the last single, you would think that this would help to create a lasting impression. Instead you are just left wondering if it is possible to get that three and a half minutes back – sadly not.
LURK are obviously babies in the genre and have a lot to learn. They definitely have the right melodies there, some of which are catchy and effective. However if you look past that, there is nothing really to distinguish themselves from other punk artists in the scene. Ultimately, they have a long way to go if they aim to reach IGGY POP status.
Rating: 6/10
Natural Causes is out now via Pure Noise Records.
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