Album Review: The Breathing Method – After Everything Else (Self Released)

Hailing from the rugged West Coast of Scotland, The Breathing Method is a seasoned ensemble of musicians who fuse hard rock, grunge and a dash of punk rebellion to express the raw knocks of adulthood. With roots stretching back over 25 years this Scottish group hails from the historic county of Ayrshire, where a shared passion for gritty, authentic soundscapes has resulted in the band’s debut album, ‘After Everything Else’, which is set to be released on January 24th, 2025.

One listen to After Everything Else and it becomes quite clear that The Breathing Method are aiming high, looking to appeal to a wide audience with their rock and grungy sound, but not compromising when it comes to infusing a bit of punk into things. It might have plenty of anthemic elements, but it’s an album with an edge.

The eleven tracks that make up the record range in style, but they all have one thing in common and that is the passion and power the band throw into things. From the moment Hope for a Better Day makes its statement and the heavy groove is unleashed, to the moment Jupiter turns the clock back to grungier days but sprinkles a hearty helping of alternative rock and post punk over things, this album stands out.

All for the right reasons too, as in between those tracks are some absolute belters. Tracks like All of My Dreams, where The Breathing Method showcase a bit more grittiness to their sound, and do so with a swagger. Tracks like Demons, a melodic piece of dramatic and brooding music, and tracks like Inside Darkness, which burns with post punk vibrancy (a personal favourite). These are all excellent tracks, but what they also showcase is variety and that is what The Breathing Method has in spades.

In fact, it’s a bit of a surprise to be so surprised by this album, especially when you consider their anthemic ways. They really could have stuck to one thing and turned out a quality hard rock album, but by crafting something so varied, it ends up feeling so very authentic. Which might not seem that important to some, but when you’re looking to immerse the listener in what you’re doing, it’s the most important thing of all.

After Everything Else is immersive and the subjects that the band tackle can be understood and shared by all. The world is a difficult place to navigate for pretty much everyone now, but with an album like this, you don’t have to feel so alone. You can also just enjoy the body shaking rhythms, the groovy riffs, the heartfelt melodies, the snarky vocals, the grungy moodiness, and the punk fire. The Breathing Method has it all, and that’s going to make them very successful. It’s a mighty cool album.

The Breathing Method – After Everything Else Track Listing:

1. Hope for a Better Day
2. All of My Dreams
3. Secrets
4. Demons
5. Unbearable
6. Burden
7. Tragic Confusion
8. Inside Darkness
9. Disappointed
10. This Time
11. Jupiter

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