Along with Flux, last year also received this brief five track EP with little stylistic affiliation to the latter. As a soundtrack for NXT wrestling, one listen will affirm why. This is possibly Poppy's "heaviest" songs to date, with her upfront deploying some utterly fowl throaty screams that have me concerned for both her vocal chords and the recording equipment. Its rough and raw, much like the instrumentals led by gristly noisy guitar distortions that have a messy tone. We do hear her light and harmonious voice in brief bursts, often in competition with an eruption of wild visceral screams.
The record feels structured to gain more respite and musicality with each passing song beyond Say Cheese, which leans heavily into Metalcore guitar riffs with stomping breakdowns, crunchy riffs and a really odd warbling bass tone. Breeders ropes in a zany synth tone to crank open the song to another dimension of feeling, very much similar to that classic Tubeaway Army song. Each song has its identity, emergent musical ideas executed through a smothering Industrial tinged aesthetic.
Its a riot of creativity, feeling fresh and fun with a lot of energy being thrust forth. Although it leans into my preferred avenue of Metal, these songs feel creative and dynamic, putting up a sound not too many other bands offer in a rather stale scene. She has really scooped up some great musicians with Greatti and Wilcox helping write these feisty songs. I've spun them over and over and they are probably among my favorite songs of hers now. I'd certainly like to hear more on this wavelength.
Rating: 6/10