Issue One - The Weekend Riot

EP REVIEWS
AA - ALLYSON ALAMO | JB - JESSICA BROWN
EL - EMILY LASTER | ES - EDWARD SMAKOV
ET - EILEEN TEA | SV - SOFIE VASQUEZ
New Jersey pop rock The Stolen’s brand new EP I’m So Dead
grabs the listener’s attention from the first few seconds of
the opening track up to the closing one. Each song tells its
own story rather than be random ramblings with no feeling
or purpose. The chorus is always catchy with a great choice
of words, truly capturing the entirety of the song. Some of
the best moments within the songs are when the music slows
down briefly as seen in “Can’t Get Enough”, where the music
and vocals match perfectly. It emphasizes one of the strongest
asset of the band: the pairing of the vocals and instruments.
The rhythm flows perfectly with the smooth yet rough voice
of the lead singer, especially in "Skeleton". The vocals go from
low and smooth to loud and raspy, matching the tempo and
flow of the instruments perfectly. Overall, The Stolen expresses
great potential and sound, and this EP is an extraordinary
listen for anyone who enjoys great and meaningful pop-rock
songs. Download: I’m So Dead [AA]
Assertive alternative pop trio Beach Weather has already
torn down their low expectations as an 'opening act'. Their
catchy, feel good tunes off their debut EP What a Drag resonate
electric yet soothing vibes. Favorite song was “Bad Seed”
because it was able to grab me immediately, and the rhythm
and chorus kept me the most invested out of all five tracks.
Beach Weather themselves seem to know what they want to
sound like, but they need their style to mature because as of
now, the tracks on the EP are pleasant to listen to but they’re
not distinctive at all and almost sound like one another. What
a Drag aims for a feel-good, bright, and catchy style and there
is a substantial amount of musical skill and education; the
band only needs to harness and grow it. Hopefully, their upcoming
EP will clear up their identity and expand their range
between tracks. Download: Swoon [ES]
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