EP REVIEW: This Won’t Last When You Know the Beginning – trueandtrue
From Oslo, Norway, TRUEANDTRUE bring their own distinct spin to hardcore and post-punk on their latest EP This Won’t Last When You Know the Beginning. The band energetically move through big and small moments capturing intense themes in their most intimate and most overwhelming of forms. TRUEANDTRUE create an intense and emotional listening experience, ensuring that no turn is left untaken on this journey.
Opening track Doomed immerses the EP into a space of existential contemplation. The track begins with a melodic verse and a gentler tone to the vocals, contrasted by the explosive chorus and distorted production. TRUEANDTRUE unabashedly introduce the dynamic and confrontational tone of This Won’t Last When You Know the Beginning, fluctuating between energy levels whilst approaching intense themes. Pin My Gaze continues this with a high energy confrontation of anxiety set to a driving rhythm and the catchiest hook on the EP.
The consistent sonic fluctuations on This Won’t Last When You Know the Beginning could become monotonous. At times it feels like it may be heading that way, and then TRUEANDTRUE will completely pivot. Hollowed Out Pt.1 is an explosive, brash and attention-grabbing track that confronts loss and regret. This is then followed by its counterpart, Hollowed Out Pt. 2., which features a collaboration from Norwegian jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft. The track’s delicate piano melody is a distinct pull away from anything else on the EP. As guitars and drums are layered into the track and explode out, the blending of an intimate piano moment with a larger-than-life build becomes the most memorable moment on the EP.
From this cathartic peak, following track Nothing Revealed sees the group searching for meaning. Ideas of existential dread and uncertainty lace every moment of the EP and characterise the fragile line that TRUEANDTRUE create in their sonic exploration. Watch Me Dance (Again) closes the EP with a sense of defiance and hope in the face of such anxiety-filled themes. The song boasts a groove to its hook that offers a unique spin on the EP as it closes. Just as you think you’ve figured out their formula, you’re left wanting more.
This Won’t Last When You Know the Beginning sees TRUEANDTRUE laying down the groundwork for their DNA. Experimenting with and embracing their sound with tenacity, intensity, and energy, TRUEANDTRUE storm through the EP and tackle emotionally intense themes head on. The group find a distinct method that works for them, whilst at times it veers into monotony, when it works, it’s great, especially in only six tracks. The most compelling moments come from an unexpected turn, and it is in the more left-field moments that TRUEANDTRUE intrigue you to want to see what they do next and with more room to explore.
Rating: 7/10
This Won’t Last When You Know the Beginning is set for release on 11th October via self-release.
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