EP Review: Sunbleached – I Crawled Into The Hole (Self Released)

Brisbane alt-rock band Sunbleached will release their new EP ‘I Crawled into The Hole’ on August 30th, 2024. The EP is a nostalgic exploration of the band’s sound thus far, building on elements established on the quartet’s 2023 sophomore EP release, ‘Delicate Places We Hide’.

Not a band to do one thing and one thing only, Sunbleached’s sound is an enthralling combination of rock, shoegaze, grunge, and more. Something that has helped them become a beloved name within the alternative music community and something that will only help their popularity going forward. Especially when it results in such lovable listens as this EP. Where no two tracks sound the same, but there’s a familiar vibe to the whole thing, and there’s some notably creative moments.

One of which, the shoegazey instrumental intensity of No Cure for Life, is simply wonderful. To open an EP with a piece of music that has a number of peaks & valleys, speaks volumes about the creative tear Sunbleached are on at the moment.

Whereas that track is definitely more morosely moody, the following White Lace is all about filling the heart and soul with warm feelings. A song that explores how belief and opinions can change depending on circumstance and combines loveable emo rock with light shoegaze elements for one of the EP’s catchiest efforts.

It’s fair to say that neither Beware of the Dog or It Makes Me Sick hit the endearing high of that track, but that doesn’t mean either is lacking. The former has an energetic Nirvana-esqe rockiness to it, whereas the latter is much more measured as far as moodiness goes. This is one of the more miserable listens of the EP, and it certainly finds Sunbleached in a more instrumentally challenging mood.

As far as ideas go, there’s absolutely no short-changing here and Hell is Repetition continues to show how this band avoids being formulaic. Continuing to showcase a sullener edge, but also getting darker and heavier in places. It’s an infectious grunge-infused rock effort that has a unique flavour. Which, as far as Sunbleached goes overall, is somewhat par for the course. They really do find incredible ways to make their music standout.

Sunbleached – I Crawled into The Hole Track Listing:

1. No Cure for Life
2. White Lace
3. Beware of the Dog
4. It Makes Me Sick
5. Hell is Repetition

Links

Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter