EP Review: Waterlines – WDGAF Vol 1 (Self Released)

Northern UK metalcore band Waterlines will release their debut EP, ‘WDGAF Vol 1’ on January 10th, 2025. The sum of two years of hard graft.

Chances are that you’ve heard most of what this EP has to offer as over the past few years Waterlines has drip-fed us music, building up their reputation both on record and in the live environment. Which does mean this debut EP doesn’t have the freshest of feels. However, if you’re a fan of this band (and you should be), it will still be a must-listen. Not just because it puts all their recent bangers together, but because it shows cohesion in their sound.

Their strength is on full show with the opening banger that is Prey, one of Waterlines most popular tracks. All because it is a dynamic blast of modern metal that fuses ‘core’ sounds with rap-metal energy and hits a melodic high in the chorus. Then there is the delightful anthemic qualities of Set the Pace, a track that exemplifies the accessibility that Waterlines has. Something that has helped them garner a widespread listener base and something that will only help them grow when tracks like this reach the ears of more and more people.

Though, as much as their varied ways are lovable, few will be complaining when they just go in the outright chaos and carnage direction. Something they do with mighty aplomb on the raging and spitting beast that is BRACE. A track that will makes the heart race and begs to pitted to, which is why it also appears at the end of the EP in live form.

Before that though, there’s Konig and the sound of Waterlines at their most experimentally heavy, and Anti Human, a slamming, guttural, and beastly metalcore anthem. With the former, it’s the melodic highs that stand out. Whereas with the latter, it’s the chorus and a breakdown that proves to be wonderfully nasty.

Finally, and capping off the EP, it’s The Halo Around the Horns, a stompy and aggressive hit. Where Waterlines deliver garish intensity but hit an impressive melodic apex with another killer chorus.

Waterlines are great, but you already knew that.

Waterlines – WDGAF Vol 1 Track Listing:

1. Prey
2. Set The Pace
3. BRACE.
4. Konig
5. Anti Human
6. The Halo Around the Horns
7. BRACE. (Live In Bolton)

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