Hooky rock ardency and captivating social commentary intertwine on Flowers Through the Concrete, the immersive debut EP from Birmingham, UK-based duo PHWOAR. Themes within capture darkness in today’s world — from corrupt leadership to environmental decay — though also with an emphasis on hope. The release is a thorough success from PHWOAR, who are embarking on their first UK headline tour this fall.
A raucous rock delight opens the EP in “Reckless,” where sweltering guitars exude a swampy distortion amidst fervent vocals that admit to “feelin’ kinda reckless.” A no-frills, timeless rock character infuses within a modern poignancy, ruminating on technological attachment with lines like “but did it ever happen if I can’t watch it on screen?” — artfully capturing a present-day psyche where feelings of recklessness reflect an increasing artificiality and sense of detachment. The ensuing “Surge” enthralls with a punchy ardor as well, providing a scathing critique of corrupt authority and foreboding hint of what historically arises as consequence: “Violence in the streets / Bile is boiling up beneath.” The track’s messaging of wealth inequality and environmental collapse meld within another invigorating production.
A lusher initial momentum takes hold on “Waiting for the Sun,” traversing from an initial dreamy swell into grungy guitar passion. The bleak opening setting — “black skies / pouring weather,” — expands into the more effervescent “waiting for the sun,” refrain; it’s an impactful display of the band’s tonal range and continued emphasis on hoping for bluer skies following ominous darkness. The title track is another standout, especially compelling in the vocal switch-up within the “river of oblivion,” grip and dual-vocal call for change: “They said the grass will be much greener if you burn the field that we are in.” Concluding with the pulsing rock satiability within “Tryhard,” Flowers Through the Concrete struts a consistently enveloping rock sound with timely perspectives on the state of humanity today.
