EP REVIEW: Pursuing Love At Its Darkest – The Escape Artist

Like a phoenix, THE ESCAPE ARTIST rose from the ashes to announce their comeback earlier this year after teasing us with many a cryptic message along the way. The Hull-based melodic hardcore outfit are now agonisingly close to unveiling their latest effort, entitled Pursuing Love At Its Darkest, which is due for release on October 29th. They have never shied away from delving into deep subject matter and this effort intends to follow in those footsteps.

1:13 gets the ball rolling with a hypnotic post-rock vibe as raw and tangible emotion is poured out via the vocal lines. This is not just an introductory entry point, more like gazing into an open wound. Your Favourite Blade adds some impactful drum beats and haunting guitar tones. The soaring vocal work is as smooth as it is captivating, insisting your focus is firmly fixed on the alluring soundscape. As the track progresses you can sense the internal struggles increase in immediacy. Misery Made Its Home In Me builds on the solid foundations formed before it and brings further levels of intricate layering into the mix. The punchy tempo falls hand in hand with the personable subject matter and the slick transitions create an enthralling flow.

Paint The Room possesses a sinister bite and compliments the escalation of emotions evoked. The trade-off between adrenaline fuelled riffing and vibrant melodies proves to be very effective. In Colour almost feels like the escape from a dark place in your mind, opening the door for brighter, uplifting sensations to seep into your bloodstream. The intoxicating mood is catharsis in its purest form. Pursuing Love At Its Darkest opens its heart for the world to see, exposing its vulnerability and torment. The lyrical narrative deserves for you to hang on every syllable as it speaks in poignant volumes.

Pursuing Love At Its Darkest almost leaves you lost for words as THE ESCAPE ARTIST bare their soul in such an honest and genuine fashion, discussing a wealth of topics which may hit close to home and allow some to find solace in its passages. The various moods experienced and conveyed are palpable and you become so immersed in the unfolding themes that your emotions feel significantly heightened upon completion. It is a rare gift to project such passion into your craft but this collective have delivered it in spades.

Rating: 9/10

Pursuing Love At Its Darkest is set for release on October 29th via self-release.

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