Ep Review: Escape The Box “Dead Ends & DayDreams
“Shhh…
Silence, let’s begin!” And fittingly, the opening track of this EP is called “Silence.”
As I start listening, I genuinely wonder whether I’ve accidentally selected the
wrong track on Spotify. But no, this is indeed Escape The Box, and the opening
immediately immerses us in electronic, almost EDM-like territory. An unexpected
beginning that sets the stage for a musical journey full of surprises!
The second
track, “Almost,” initially sounds like a straightforward pop-rock number
during its first thirty seconds. But appearances can be deceiving! The guitars
gradually get heavier, the vocals alternate between catchy melodies and more
aggressive, almost screaming deliveries, and the polished production ensures
that every element shines. I particularly enjoy the atmospheric,
shoegaze-inspired passages before the song kicks back into high gear. Powerful,
melodic, and brilliantly executed!
“Grave” takes things further, beginning with gentle vocals and delicate guitar arpeggios accompanied by a stuttering drum pattern. Then, naturally, things get nastier! This constant interplay between softness and aggression is precisely what makes this British duo so interesting. Ziey Kizzy's vocal performance is particularly impressive, effortlessly shifting between vulnerability and sheer ferocity while the guitars gradually take over. The heavier side of Escape The Box is definitely on full display here!
With “Hoodies,”
it's time to pull on our hoodies and grab our surfboards! Less aggressive than
its predecessors, particularly in the vocal department, this track focuses on
groove and rhythmic variations. Escape The Box knows how to ease off the
throttle without losing our attention, demonstrating an excellent understanding
of dynamics and pacing.
Next up is “Great,”
the band's personal favorite, and I can certainly understand why! Moving
between pop, emo, metalcore, and alternative rock, the track showcases
impressive songwriting, with constantly shifting riffs, keyboards, and seamless
transitions. These musicians sound as though they have decades of experience
under their belts, despite their relatively young appearance!
Finally, “Cement”
brings this journey to a melodic conclusion. A brief guitar introduction leads
into the song before an infectious melody takes hold. What impresses me most is
how naturally the band incorporates screams into these more vulnerable, melodic
passages. That's genuine vocal talent!
With Dead
Ends & DayDreams, Escape The Box delivers a diverse, cohesive, and
adventurous EP where every track brings something different to the table. The
production is outstanding, the songwriting is consistently engaging, and the
balance between melody and heaviness is expertly handled. If this independent
duo keeps progressing at this rate, their next album could be an absolute
monster. Keep it up, guys we love what you're doing!
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