For a band that’s named after a brand of tea, Earl Grey are surprisingly aggressive and energetic. After the release of the band’s debut EP ‘Ready To Leave’ at the beginning of this year, the German hardcore / pop-punk crossover quintet have released another incredible EP, ‘Passing Time’.
The band gel together pop-punk influences into the heavily hardcore-based German underground punk scene, bringing together fans of both genres. The EP maintains a distinctive DIY punk sound, capturing well the rawness of hardcore shows. The aggressive and gritty punk vocals merge flawlessly with twinkly, melodic, and heavy guitars which are all showcased throughout. The overall feel of this record is one which many current bands strive towards, mirroring elements of crossover giants Trophy Eyes, pop-punk legends Crucial Dudes, and melodic hardcore veterans, More Than Life. The gritty hardcore vocals give Earl Grey an edge which distinguishes them in the UK scene, while the pop-punk-style guitars differentiate them from other current German hardcore bands.
The introduction to the EP comes with single ‘Passing Time’, opening with easycore tones before breaking into heavy vocals and guitars. The lead guitars, the distinctive highlight throughout the record, are exhibited from the start. However, the EP continues to grow from this track into ‘Backstabber’ which makes use of gang vocals, adding a strong chorus and anthemic edge. This track is a particular feature of the EP, as it is bouncey and poppy, whilst maintaining the rawness and energy that the band is known for.
Third track, ‘Headstrong’ is short and sweet with lyrics that are pertinent and fit the feel of the songs nicely. The whole EP is rounded off nicely with ‘Haven’, displaying pop-punk guitars reminiscent of the best The Story So Far tracks and Crucial Dudes. The constant aggressive vocals and distorted shouting is mixed well with melodic and poppy guitars, and the EP ends with a good mixture of fast drum beats and slow breakdowns, demonstrating all that the band has to offer.
This EP offers the whole package for someone looking for rawness and energy in the saturated pop-punk scene, or a poppy edge to hardcore. Earl Grey, though still relatively new, demonstrate an exceptionally promising future for both genres by interchanging and developing their style.
ALEX HALL