Following the success of their singles, such as ‘Death Ballad‘ and ‘Worlds Apart,’ Black Pines’ ‘Bodies’ is an ascension in the heavy rock scene that showcases their fresh, exploration of sound across five tracks.
‘Bodies’ marks a departure from Black Pines’ indie roots, embracing a “heavy alternative” vibe that showcases the band’s bold evolution. Tom Clark’s powerhouse vocals take center stage, steering the EP into a darker, more intense universe than ever before. The sonic journey through ‘Bodies’ is a showcase of Black Pines’ commitment to being both multi-dimensional and coherent in their songwriting, as each track unfolds like a different door into a new exploration of their style.
The EP kicks off with ‘Death Ballad’, which is an unapologetically guitar-driven rock anthem that throws energy right in your face. ‘Worlds Apart’ dives into broodier territories with dropped tunings and large, atmospheric vocals – setting the stage for the EP’s diverse range. ‘What Are You Scared Of?’ is a beautiful, vocal ballad that doubles as an exploration of self-acceptance; it is one of the best songs (amongst many) off the release and showcases the band at their best. ‘Run and Hide’ also offers a dynamic shift, lifting listeners back up, while the crown jewel, ‘Rule Over Me,’ serves as a socio-political anthem confronting governmental control.
The band’s decision to explore societal issues in ‘Rule Over Me’ adds a layer to the EP that infuses anger and a call for change. The track combines hooky riffs, dramatic synths, and a solid vocal performance that spans the entirety of its 19-minute runtime.
“It was important to us that the EP was multidimensional, as well as establishing a coherent sound – I believe people love bands because they develop and grow and change – they don’t just churn out identical singles time and time again,” Tom says about the release of the EP. “In that vein, each song needed to feel like a different side of the dice.”
Black Pines’ five-track EP, ‘Bodies’, is a beautiful showcase of their refusal to be confined by genre norms.
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