Hooky rock ardency and charming social commentary intertwine on Flowers By means of the Concrete, the immersive debut EP from Birmingham, UK-based duo PHWOAR. Themes inside seize darkness in at this time’s world — from corrupt management to environmental decay — although additionally with an emphasis on hope. The discharge is a radical success from PHWOAR, who’re embarking on their first UK headline tour this fall.
A raucous rock delight opens the EP in “Reckless,” the place sweltering guitars exude a swampy distortion amidst fervent vocals that admit to “feelin’ kinda reckless.” A no-frills, timeless rock character infuses inside a contemporary poignancy, ruminating on technological attachment with strains like “however did it ever occur if I can’t watch it on display screen?” — artfully capturing a present-day psyche the place emotions of recklessness replicate an growing artificiality and sense of detachment. The following “Surge” enthralls with a punchy ardor as effectively, offering a scathing critique of corrupt authority and foreboding trace of what traditionally arises as consequence: “Violence within the streets / Bile is boiling up beneath.” The observe’s messaging of wealth inequality and environmental collapse meld inside one other invigorating manufacturing.
A lusher preliminary momentum takes maintain on “Ready for the Solar,” traversing from an preliminary dreamy swell into grungy guitar ardour. The awful opening setting — “black skies / pouring climate,” — expands into the extra effervescent “ready for the solar,” chorus; it’s an impactful show of the band’s tonal vary and continued emphasis on hoping for bluer skies following ominous darkness. The title observe is one other standout, particularly compelling within the vocal switch-up throughout the “river of oblivion,” grip and dual-vocal name for change: “They mentioned the grass will likely be a lot greener when you burn the sector that we’re in.” Concluding with the pulsing rock satiability inside “Tryhard,” Flowers By means of the Concrete struts a persistently enveloping rock sound with well timed views on the state of humanity at this time.
