EP REVIEW: Past Lives – Denials
Steve White and Lee Crimes formed DENIALS after a six-year hiatus from making music with their previous bands. The two men reignited their love of music during lockdown, and once the world opened up again, both White and Crimes sent the EP that they had written and recorded from home over to Bob Cooper at Chairworks Studio in Leeds for him to mix it.
The result is a four song EP called Past Lives. Focusing on the post-hardcore sound of the early 00s, with a modern twist, it is clear that the EP is a labour of love. From the opening title track, the duo have created something that they are proud of. White does the vocals whilst Crimes plays the guitar and every other instrument on the EP. However, whilst the overall EP is fun to listen to, it doesn’t feel unique. Of course, some people might appreciate that the sound is leaning more into rock than post-hardcore – although there are some screams in the songs – but others might feel a little bored by it.
Take the opening song, for example. Whilst it is energetic, it also sounds a little dull and paint by numbers. It almost sounds like the duo don’t really know what to do; of course, they have had 16 years worth of experience in the music industry, so they clearly know their stuff. Despite the second song, Serenity, picking things up a bit, the overall pacing so far isn’t great. Of course, one could argue that the duo have just had a six-year break from making music and are struggling to find their footing again. On the other hand, with all the experience they have had, they should be a bit better than this.
Sadly, Sin does not help matters. It is trying to be angsty; however, it is obviously trying too hard. Therefore, it feels dull and also uninspired. In fact, this entire EP just feels like DENIALS are going through the motions. There is nothing here that feels unique.
Post-hardcore is an interesting genre because it gives the musician the opportunity to do whatever they want. However, DENIALS show that this is not always a good thing. Even through the last song Weights picks up the energy, it just sounds like a generic rock song, and therefore not very interesting. This is a shame because there are moments of talent that peek out, especially on the final song. For example, the guitar work by Crimes is brilliant. On the other hand, you can’t help but feel like the duo are only just saving their best work until last in order to get it over with.
Unfortunately, Past Lives is not the best debut EP. Whilst there are small hints of talent on the last song, the rest of the EP feels dull and uninspired. It feels like DENIALS are going through the motions. There isn’t anything interesting about their sound, and the pacing feels like it is dragging along. This is a shame as the last song Weights is surely the best on the EP because it sounds the most energetic. However, if you’re looking for a fun take on post-hardcore, look elsewhere. This EP is not the one.
Rating: 4/10
Past Lives is out now via self-release.
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