EP REVIEW: Luci Scott
Orlando’s Magnolia Park is not your average band; they’re making significant waves in the music scene, proving that they are more than just a “TikTok band.” Their latest musical journey involves the release of a remarkable double EP, MoonEater and SoulEater. These EPs reflect the band’s bold experimentation, versatility, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound.
Magnolia Park has garnered recognition for their unique fusion of hip-hop, hard rock, pop-punk, and alt-pop, and MoonEater and SoulEater serve as a testament to their love for musical exploration. These EPs not only showcase the band’s growth but also their willingness to traverse new sonic territories.
MoonEater: Unveiling the Dark Side:
MoonEater sets the stage with a darker soundscape, drawing inspiration from metalcore with crushing breakdowns and distorted guitars. It’s a musical journey that exudes an eerie atmosphere while also incorporating elements of trap production and alt-rap fundamentals.
The EP opens with the intense ‘Homicide’, followed by the atmospheric ‘Breathing’, featuring nothing,nowhere. The deep gravelly vocals in ‘Do Or Die’ featuring rapper Ethan Ross, maintain a sense of tension, and the middle eight is a delightful surprise. A fantastic collaboration with Honey Revenge titled ‘Unholy Heart’ maintains the dark mood, with playful lyrics like “you’re my parasite – you can leach off me but only for tonight.”
The EP concludes with ‘Heartstopper’, another track with dark undertones and metal influences featuring Grieve. While ‘Homicide’ stands out as the big anthem on this EP, each track offers unique twists and turns.
SoulEater: A Brighter Mood and Uplifting Lyrics:
On the flip side, SoulEater introduces a brighter and more uplifting mood with catchy hooks and lyrics. The EP employs textured alt-pop production and dreamy synth soundscapes, paying homage to the classic pop-punk bands of the early 2000s.
‘Manic’ featuring 408, kicks off the EP with a familiar, energetic vibe. ‘Blud Luv’, featuring Decode, introduces a softer beat, fuzzy textures, and a memorable middle eight and solo. ‘D4U’ continues with a punchy beat and a Skiba-era blink-182 feel. ‘L.O.V.E.’, with its blend of sweet music and bitter lyrics, offers a delightful twist. The EP closes with ‘Wishful Thinking’, a fantastic pop-punk anthem.
Could It Have Been an Album?
With ten tracks released on the same day, one might wonder if “MoonEater” and “SoulEater” could have been combined into a single album. However, the decision to present these EPs as separate entities is well-founded. Each EP embodies a distinct style and mood, making it challenging to craft a seamless tracking flow on the album. This choice allows listeners to gravitate toward the EP that resonates most with their preferences or create customized playlists that cater to their unique musical tastes.
To top it all off, Magnolia Park has another exciting chapter awaiting in December. They are set to grace the stage at the Good Things Festival, where fans will have the incredible opportunity to experience these new tracks live. As Magnolia Park continues to evolve and conquer new heights, their journey in the world of music remains a thrilling adventure filled with surprises, innovation, and the pure joy of sharing their unique sound with the world.
