Introduction
BarrelHaus are an alt-rock band from Oxford. They describe their music as best enjoyed loud… I really can’t disagree with that! With an eclectic back catalogue these guys will have something for everyone and then some.
Today we are reviewing the lead single “Mayday” from their brand new EP “Superstition Abolition.” As you can see below, it has fantastic accompanying artwork! Give the song a listen. Read the review. If you like what you hear and see, give their full EP a listen. It can be found at the bottom of the review.
Review
Wow, what an incredible guitar tone kicking things off! When paired with the solo drumbeat, it creates a powerful introduction to the song. The drumming that follows oddly reminds me of tribal rhythms around a campfire, but maybe that’s just my imagination running wild. Regardless it brings a big smile to my face!
I appreciate how the vocals align perfectly with the tempo of the music; at moments, they seem to be fully interwined, demonstrating a deep grasp of musical theory. Regarding the vocals, they are powerful and crisp, and they convey the songs narrative through both the lyrics and the emotional tone effectively.
The urgency produced in the listeners mind during this track makes you feel immersed in an approaching crisis—it’s like a call for help! This sensation is further amplified by the guitar, which eerily resembles a siren from a warning system. While it may seem straightforward, it proves to be incredibly effective in heightening the tension.
This track has moments that remind me of Muse. Every element feels meticulously crafted and executed. If I had to point out one aspect, it would be that the urgency can occasionally feel overwhelming. While this might be the intended impact, it can sometimes be a bit excessive. The shifts in dynamics can leave you feeling scattered; a slightly more restrained approach could enhance the overall listening experience.
One thing is for sure though, there’s no doubt about it: if the rest of the EP matches the quality of this track, we’re in for an incredible listening experience!
7/10
If you enjoyed this why not listen to the full EP? Give it a go below!
The rights for the songs in this review are retained by BarrelHaus and this site claims no rights over them. The artwork for the single and EP were both done by Caitlin Helm via AWS Party Rock. The photos are by Ian Hanham.
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