EP REVIEW: Square One – Uzumaki
EPs are great as they really just give a snapshot of a band, almost like a preview, that’s the whole point. Unfortunately, every now and then it’s a shame when the preview ends and this is exactly the case with UZUMAKI‘s brand-new EP Square One because this is awesome.
Starting with no vocals until almost the two-minute mark, Hey There is an elegantly crafted wall of sound that becomes a fast-paced grunge-fuelled opener with awesome hooks that grab hold and don’t let go. It’s all at once bleak but hopeful with a heavy tone on the instrumentation and with punk influences running throughout using short phrasing on the vocals and a hell of a lot of distortion because that’s really how it should be. This track makes it clear that Square One is not an EP to be missed.
Ugly Hunger is up next and it’s time to dig out those wraparound sunglasses and fire up the Gameboy Colour as this track is one whole nostalgia trip. That’s not to say that this is just a rehash of what’s already been done though. It’s as if UZUMAKI have warped the sound of the time to fit their style to create something nostalgic and new at the same time which results in a pretty great song. The guitar lines are super catchy and the percussion builds to a boiling point before exploding in awesome grungy fashion.
On And On feels a little more serious with heavy guitar lines opening the track and it sounds a little more bleak. The vocals sound more subdued and bleaker. It’s not really hopeful and bright and shiny like the tracks that have come before, and it shows that these guys don’t stick to the same thing time and time again. They do actually have some range and they might as well show it if they can. It’s a change of pace but a welcome one as the lyrics are still great and the instrumentation is really awesome as it’s heavy and dark.
Closing track Flip Side teases as it builds slowly to a boiling point as the song progresses into the verse. It’s pretty basic in terms of vocals until the chorus takes over and it really takes off. Followed by catchy guitar riffs and a super heavy percussion section this track is super immersive. Feedback and distortion ring out, giving the sonic offering another layer just for fun and making it sound a little more raw and ready. A slightly basic but powerful guitar solo tops off the track and ends the EP on a very high note – pun very much intended.
Square One has it all really. There are great solos, thunderous bass, and some really excellent drum parts. The vocals are really great too and pack this all together – there’s really nothing to dislike. The only downside is that it is only four tracks long; it feels like we need more. UZUMAKI aim to please with this EP however and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Rating: 8/10
Square One is set for release on July 28th via Everything Sucks Music.
Like UZUMAKI on Facebook.