On his latest pop-punk and emo EP, Fake Bearsโฆbut ROCK!!!1!11!!1!!, EJ, the mastermind behind the project, throws a punk pop punch thatโs equal parts catchy and cathartic.
The opening track, โUninterested,โ throws you straight into the fire with all the frustrations pouring out of a classic ghosting, complete with a contagious melody and a keytar solo that could melt glaciers. EJ takes your heart with his husky, high voice. Whatโs so good about it is that the way he sings is charming, charismatic, youthful and catchy, while frustrating enough.
But โFake Bearsโฆbut ROCK!!!1!11!!1!!โ is also about growth and facing your fears. โAscendโฆbut ROCK!!!1!11!!1!!โ is a fist-pumping anthem that urges you to โAscend into the endless sky, ascend into another time, ascend into a better life,โ as per the chorus that you will be singing along to in no time. The thumping drums, and blazing guitars complete this exciting piece.
EJ doesnโt shy away from vulnerability either. โTerrifiedโฆbut ROCK!!!1!11!!1!!โ is a relatable exploration of the anxieties that come with the quarter-life crisis. The guitars shift from a gritty buzz to shimmering chimes, mirroring the internal struggle of wanting to grow up but being scared of what comes next.
The EP closes with โscared of the darkโฆbut ROCK!!!1!11!!1!!,โ a heartwarming ode to friendship as EJ throws himself out there and sings exhilaratingly. Featuring guest vocals from Sage Saint John with her singing behind him, it feels like an embodiment of a friend who has your back at all times.
Listen to the exciting and enjoyable Fake Bearsโฆbut ROCK!!!1!11!!1!! by Fake Bears on Spotify.
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Photo Credit: DJ Cabrera
Review by Naomi Joan