Four hooky, emotive rock cuts on Into Surf‘s self-titled debut EP showcase the London-based duo as an act that’s bound to quickly ascend. Matt Smith (guitar, vocals) and Rob Parker (guitar, vocals) created the EP in their shared apartment over many late nights, and the result is one that consistently compels in its knack for escalating structural satiation and hypnotic layers of guitar. The project formed in 2022, though Smith and Parker have known each other since childhood; they started writing and performing music at around age 15.
“In many ways, this EP came to be about change,” they explain. “Our previous music project was derailed by the pandemic and various other big life events and so this EP represented a new step for us personally as well as musically.”
“Awake” opens the EP with thumping bass and angular guitar momentum, as vocals reflect a state of catching one’s breath and a sense of losing oneself. Bursts of guitar distortion align with a dexterous percussive appeal thereafter. The expressive vocal work, bordering angst and melancholic introspection, compel alongside the burgeoning guitar tones. Brighter guitar bursts upon the “we try to come alive,” sequence are enamoring, furthering the hooky momentum.
Another highlight, “Slow” builds into an anthemic vigor during the “slow down, I’m going nowhere,” proclamation. The twangy, textured guitar additions within make for a sturdy alt-rock nostalgia, reminiscent of early ’00s emotion. “Feel” concludes the EP in satiating form, as concise guitar pulses continue pleas to “slow down,” into a murkier bridge and ensuing blast of energy. Into Surf’s rock charisma and emotional depth impress throughout their self-titled EP.
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“Slow” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
