EP REVIEW: Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind – Newmeds
Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind feels an apt title for the debut EP from Hull-based hardcore quartet NEWMEDS. On it, the band explore some pretty serious topics, including vocalist Nick Cobley‘s long-term battles with Crohn’s disease and depression. It’s an honest, unflinching record at a time when the band, much like the rest of us, find themselves facing the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. But, for all its heavy subject matter, this EP is by no means a depressing listen. In fact, Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind is, quite simply, a raucous good time.
It follows a string of energetic and exciting singles the band have released over the past two years. These revealed a fierce, chaotic band, drawing critical praise and justified comparisons to hardcore legends GALLOWS. Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind continues in much the same vein, but with a slightly more metallic touch. As well as GALLOWS, it’s a record reminiscent of some of the very best bands hardcore has to offer. In particular, it brings to mind the work of bands like THE BRONX, TURNSTILE, and EVERY TIME I DIE.
NEWMEDS tear straight out the gate on the EP’s opening title track. It features driving, primal verses, and an explosive chorus sure to stick in listeners’ heads from the very first listen. It’s a memorable start to the record, overflowing with an energy guaranteed to go down well live. Halfway through, the band drop to a breakdown where Cobley and bassist Sam Rudderforth trade vocals of “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? and “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” From here the band erupt into arguably the most savage they’ve ever sounded before closing on a final blistering chorus.
Lyrically, the title track sees Cobley explore what he describes as one of his “worst depressive states.” Of the song, he says: “It’s about not being too hard on yourself and finding that self-forgiveness.” This is a theme which runs throughout much of the record – a refusal to be overwhelmed while still acknowledging just how crap things can be. All in all it turns Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind into an often cathartic record which many listeners are sure to connect with.
At no point during the EP’s short runtime do the band lose their ferocity. Second track Twenty Three is a biting, scathing piece. On it Cobley channels his experiences with Crohn’s disease into a reflection on “consumer culture, climate change, and the fleeting nature of life.” The song’s closing breakdown is particularly visceral, bringing to mind a slightly less unhinged version of THE CHARIOT. After this, the EP ends on The High Life, a swaggering riff-heavy rager. It’s another wild, raucous track which proves exactly how NEWMEDS have gained quite the live reputation. Indeed, there’s definitely a sense that as good as all three of these songs are in their studio form, they’ll be even better if and when listeners are finally able to enjoy them live.
If anything, it’s a shame Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind isn’t longer. It may be NEWMEDS‘ longest release, but it barely tops ten minutes. Leaving listeners wanting more is never a bad thing, but from this record, along with the band’s singles, it’s clear that they’re more than ready to take on a full-length. When they do, it will be well worth checking out. For now though, this EP gives listeners three fiery and infinitely re-listenable tracks which mark NEWMEDS out as one of the most exciting prospects in British hardcore.
Rating: 8/10
Nothing Is Heavier Than The Mind is set for release on November 13th via Man Demolish Records.
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