EP Review: Peace Ritual – Peace Ritual (Last Ride Records)

Peace Ritual is the dream pop brainchild of Joel Martorana (Endless Heights) and Thomas Elliott (Caged Existence) with co-writing and production credits from Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove).

Born out of bedroom jams between tours, Peace Ritual was originally conceived as a hardcore band, but the duo unintentionally gravitated to writing rock or pop choruses and ultimately decided to pivot and commit to collaborating on a sound that felt most natural. Blending acoustic guitar, drum machines and synths, Peace Ritual abandon boundaries to find their balance.

Peace Ritual’s self-titled EP is the band’s debut extended release and lyrically delves into efforts to untangle vocalist Joel Martorana’s mind and soak in the appreciation and gratitude for the present. The EP alludes to spiritual, practical and often simple methods to help achieve this, as well as temptations to avoid facing reality. It is out on September 2nd, 2022 via Last Ride Records.

Dream pop… a genre likely to send a shiver through the body of many metalheads. Yet, those willing to dip their feet in the swirling pool of imagination find catchy and hooky tunes that drift between the radio accessibility of pop, ambience and indie rock. Tunes you can dance to; tunes you can tap your foot to and tunes that put a smile on faces.

Of course, all of this applies to Peace Ritual and the music they showcase on this EP. A four-track release that is sweet, attractive, earnest and memorable. From the likeable rhythm, wistful melodies and effective chorus of Tears of Joy. To the warm melody and catchy pace-increase of Trust Fall, the foot-tapping melodrama of Cold Shoulder and the immense emotions that come from Heart Lasso. Each track offers something to make you smile, think and feel.

What more can you ask for?

Peace Ritual – Peace Ritual Full Track Listing:

1. Tears Of Joy
2. Trust Fall
3. Cold Shoulder
4. Heart Lasso

Links

Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram