Roman Candle
Photo Cred 📷 : @danielleriot
We all need a little subversion in our lives. Sometimes the straight up is what we crave, other times it can wear a touch thin. That’s why it's nice to get an EP like Roman Candle’s “Discount Fireworks” which blends classic Screamo elements with some deliciously evil Metal moments, all coming together to formulate a powerful, heavy and epic collection of songs.
Right when I thought I knew where “Oh, Dreamer” was going with its classic Skramz intro, the syncopated drumming yanks me sideways as malicious riffs staccato and a sharp, crackling voice screams and laments. This particular pitch of vocal style is one of my favorites. Somewhere between Hiretsukan and Suffix, beautifully displayed on “Gaslighting Isn’t Real (You’re Just Crazy)” between sky high riffs and cascading drum fills. Thrashing serpentine riffs and tempest infused bass lines exploding all at once to tell the story that so many unfortunately can relate too, as distressed vocals ask What have you become?
“Survivors Guilt” wastes no time, immediately kicking off with technicolor strumming and colossal fills greeted by shouts of I can’t stand the thought / Of always seeing so much red / I can’t stand the thought of / Being here again / Concrete eyes / I can’t see you here / I can’t feel you just before the song winds its way into an absolutely pummeling outro of cathartic exhalations and blast beats. Album closer “Spit In Their Faces” seeks to shake the perception of those who regurgitate the status quo and never look inwardly. Racing drums, groovy-surging bass, feedback laden guitars masking the almost unintelligible whisper of “Spit In Their Faces”.
Contemporary Screamo goodness with impactful, powerful lyrics and a delicate measure of blast beats sprinkled throughout “Discount Fireworks” is delightfully heavy and spiritually poignant. It delivers on its introspection in a biting and poetic way. Just released this month with their very first show having been just yesterday, we really look forward to hearing more soon.
Check out their Bandcamp here : Roman Candle
Writer : @letsgetpivotal
Editor : @just_reidz
10/31/22
