MAY 8, 2021
Written By Juno Tipton
AGAIN IN MAY EVOKE A CATHARTIC FEELING WITH THEIR NEW EP "FEELS LIKE HOME"
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Post-hardcore ensemble Again In May has released their inaugural EP, Feels Like Home. The Annapolis outfit comprised of vocalist Liam King, guitarist Daniel Contreras, bassist Sean Anderson, and drummer Noah Doney preluded this release with two phenomenal singles, giving listeners a taste of what awaited them on May 7th. Despite heavier subject matter, a playthrough of this EP can evoke a cathartic feeling in any listener familiar with the topics it touches on such as: abuse, anxiety, death, depression, loss, and suicide. Any fans of Citizen, Movements, or Neck Deep will surely find a track to love on this fierce yet melancholy EP.
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Feels Like Home sets the stage for track one, Falling Out, using a few seconds of eerie reverb before crashing in with riveting guitar and raging drums. Lyrically, the story of this track is clear, and any survivor of a toxic relationship will recognize the feelings communicated within. “there’s nothing left to say / I hope the memories fade / you’ll be the best mistake I wish I never made.” There’s both an anger and a grief here, simultaneously begging to understand why and hating that it happened. With instrumental like a rolling thunderstorm and harmonies like a howling wind this EP has the perfect storm as its opening track. An acoustic outro and distorted piano lead listeners into track two, Waves.
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Starting off with a fuzzy opening and muffled drums, Waves then crashes over the listener pulling them into a pulsing powerhouse of a track. It’s no wonder that Again In May chose this song as their debut single. Liam’s soothing vocals are perfectly contrasted by the crashing instrumental, not unlike siren-song heard among crashing ocean waves. Every lyric in this track paints a picture utilizing imagery based around the ocean, and drowning specifically, to encapsulate the feelings someone with anxiety may experience day-to-day and during panic attacks.
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The third track, Empty Room, may open with a plaintive heartbeat of drums and faint choral vocals but don’t be deceived into skipping this track. It quickly delves in with a slick riff that tips a hat to hardcore and heavier influences such as Bring Me the Horizon before beginning a tale about rediscovering yourself outside of lost love. This track truly takes an attentive listener through the five stages of grief with the story expressed in the lyrics. Just as we’re reflecting on the feeling of reaching an emotional breaking point, the ending builds to a crescendo with distorted vocals before suddenly cutting off and phasing into track four, Losing Color.
Sorrowful yet filled with righteous anger, Losing Color sounds like a fantastic song to pit to. When it comes to music dealing with trauma, sometimes the most cathartic thing to do is get pushed around by a bunch of sweaty strangers while you try, and fail, not to angry cry. With lyrics like, “and when the sun comes up I’m still the one who’s stuck inside my head” and “bite your tongue your words were overdone,” Losing Color really speaks to the confusion and agitation that comes from trying to process trauma. This explosive track was the second single to herald the release of this EP, undoubtedly catching the ear of many new fans.
Feels Like Home’s final track, Reverie, welcomes listeners in with gentle acoustic guitar, ghostly vocals, and nostalgic descriptions tinged with sorrow. A subtle instrumental highlights Liam’s voice and amplifies every emotion conveyed by the lyrics. Little details surprise listeners at every turn, a military march style snare and home video audio are just two of my favorite pieces, and the rest of the song is sure to delight. If you’ve experienced a loss this track will most certainly hit hard so don’t be afraid to shed a tear or two while listening, I know I did.
Feels Like Home’s final track, Reverie, welcomes listeners in with gentle acoustic guitar, ghostly vocals, and nostalgic descriptions tinged with sorrow. A subtle instrumental highlights Liam’s voice and amplifies every emotion conveyed by the lyrics. Little details surprise listeners at every turn, a military march style snare and home video audio are just two of my favorite pieces, and the rest of the song is sure to delight. If you’ve experienced a loss this track will most certainly hit hard so don’t be afraid to shed a tear or two while listening, I know I did.
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Again In May has arguably breathed new life into the post-hardcore scene with this gem of an EP. Their lyrically sound storytelling, ingenious mastering of tracks, and acute attention to detail have created something on a different level. No noob sounds to be found here, Feels Like Home deserves your time and Again In May should be a permanent addition to your music radar so you don’t miss their next work of art!
Stream the EP here and check out Again In May on their socials below! Bandcamp |
