EP REVIEW: Transcendence On The Cheap – Tremendous

Birmingham rock band TREMENDOUS have just put out their acoustic EP Transcendence On The Cheap. Following the release of their debut album Relentless back in 2020, the band have decided to record six songs that aim to “massage rather than attack the ears”, showing what they can do as artists.

The EP starts off with Hell To Pay, which has an intro a bit similar to that of Hotel California before shifting into an acoustic blues rock style. Despite being stripped down it doesn’t stop TREMENDOUS from having subtle changes in speed that make it upbeat yet still pretty with its vintage vibe. From there the band move into the moody section of the EP, yet for a variety of reasons. Innocent Soho feels moody in terms of thinking back reminiscing on times that have come to pass, while Love Is A Mental Illness is moody in terms of heartbreak, as many of us will probably smile sadly and agree with the all too relatable yet catchy lyrics that are made to be sung along to.

By the time the record gets to Built in Better Ways, which, in short, just sounds stunning, the listener is likely to be thinking about how if this is just TREMENDOUS performing stripped down, then how must they sound with a full production behind them. The final two songs return to the world of the moody yet powerful, with The Wrong Remains bringing to mind SUM 41’s Pieces, and closer Bird In A Cage proving to be the standout track on the whole EP. Again, despite being stripped down, it feels powerful, and you can’t help but feel moved by the whole thing, and eager to listen to more.

This EP was a brilliant idea for TREMENDOUS. It shows off their talent as artists in that whether stripped and acoustic or loud and with a full production they are clearly skilled musicians, and once it’s done you’ll only want to go and listen to more of them.

Rating: 8/10

Transcendence On The Cheap is out now via self-release.

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