House Olympics recently released their new EP ‘Nothing Feels Better…’ which is a triumph of raw and passionate emo / screamo. Right off the bat it sounds somewhat familiar, in that it’s reminiscent of many other releases that came to make up ‘The Wave’ in America. Despite the familiarity it’s definitely a breath of fresh air, or a promise of new life for the movement.
EP opener ‘Laugh Track’ is gentle to start with, a slow build up of ambience before racing into an emotive and passionate soundscape filled with layered guitars, drum rolls and vocals brimming with desperation. The second track ‘When You Stop Doing Things, You’re Dead’ is far more instantaneous as it springs into action. Although slightly less atmospheric to start with and following more of a typical ‘Melodic Hardcore’ format, it stops and starts as it works its way into what becomes a gigantic wall of sound and crescendo before a final sudden stop.
‘Running With Blade Arms’ has more of a slightly “summery” vibe to it. The fiddly guitar parts similar to those often used by the likes of This Town Needs Guns or Goodtime Boys. The latter half of the song plays host to a clanging breakdown that breaks in short bursts through the frantic vocals that continue even after the music has ended.
‘Nothing Feels Better…’ deals with a lot of inward facing emotions and proves to be a poetic release for those feelings of depression, anger and uncertainty. Although it’s all too easy to compare this release to the likes of Touche Amore or La Dispute, House Olympics are clearly bringing something of their own to the table and showing a lot of promise as they find their feet.
JAMES DAVENPORT