Into The Light – S/T EP

Rochester, New York-based alternative rock group Into The Light released a self-titled EP on December 24th via Luchador Records & Classic Core Records. With members previously known for their work in Achilles, Bad Bloom, Earthquake, Hard to Know, Lemuria, How We Are, Marathon, Building on Fire, and The Silence Broken, you can expect brilliant ideas and exceptional musicianship transformed into six outstanding compositions. Soundwise, perhaps Into The Light nurtures modern alternative rock sound, but you’ll notice how these skillful musicians incorporated some of the finest properties borrowed from many different but complementary music genres, such as post-hardcore, grunge, shoegaze, and indie rock. Into The Light uses these elements as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that undoubtedly uplift this material on an entirely new level, while they simultaneously remain loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with different but complementary music genres resulted in a magnificent release that will appeal to even the pickiest listeners.

The EP commences with “The Thorns Of Life,” a powerful composition with strong early nineties post-hardcore and grunge vibes attached to it. Into The Light unquestionably know how to assemble songs where all the instruments shine in the mix. The intricate riffs delivered by generously distorted guitars serve as a backdrop for an outstanding vocal performance, which skillfully balances between low, mid, and high notes. There’s also a thick layer of themes and leads, especially hearable during the bridge, which gives more complexity to the song. The equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines serve as more than necessary support to the guitars that bring heaviness, depth, and clarity. Of course, this song wouldn’t sound this good without flawless drumming performance based upon well-accentuated, half-time beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics that provide groove and pace. “The Thorns Of Life” serves as a perfect overture into an outstanding material that will especially suit alternative and post-hardcore fans.

The group used “Camera Shy” as a sneak peek into this material before the release date, and there’s more than a good reason why they picked this particular song. It shines with exceptional ideas distilled into perfect vocal harmonies, melodies, themes, leads, chord progressions, and riffs. Both guitars showcase tremendous precision, while the rhythm section keeps everything in line with its strong presence. Every instrument plays a significant role in this sonic equation, and while this song might lean much more towards alternative rock sound, you’ll still notice how Into The Light incorporated some sonic maneuvers that might resemble retro and modern grunge, nineties post-hardcore, and late nineties indie. They keep things calm and moderate with “Manuscript,” another magnificent number that probably leans much more toward modern post-hardcore and even alternative metal sound. Into The Light keeps verses as calm, soothing, relaxing, and ethereal as possible, while the choruses blast with mesmerizing, melodic, ear-appealing chord progressions. The vocals play a significant role here, giving those choruses even more melodic and harmonious vibes.

Into The Light prove they’re not only about slow, cathartic, ambient alternative sound. “Call It” proves they’re capable of delivering premium grunge songs where heavy dosages of distortion, intricate basslines, and much faster rhythmic structures reign supreme. You’ll notice how some punk rock sonic maneuvers found their way into this fine piece of artistry. The band also included much more power and aggression than on their other songs, but still, “Call It” suits fine with the remainder of the material. The slightly dissonant leads, four-chord progressions, and continuous splashing over the cymbals during hectic rhythmic acrobatics works like a charm throughout the entire number, making this song noisier than the others. The band continues with the same ferocity, aggression, and power, but at a much slower tempo. “Bridge” is another magnificent alternative-infused post-hardcore track where the main riff immediately gets into your ears. You’ll immediately notice how guitars continuously duel for dominance, with the rhythm guitar launching all those cleverly constructed riffs on one side while the lead guitar delivers catchy themes on the other. In the meantime, bass guitar and drums dictate groove and tempo. The lead vocalist leads the listeners through this ear-appealing sonic equation by combining clean singing with distorted shouts. His performance gives more complexity and works to the advantage of the song.

“Into The Light” decided to close this marvelous extended play release with another magnificent track. “Midyear” is one of those songs that demonstrates all the knowledge, experience, skills, talent, and ideas invested by the entire band. They merged all their interests into one song that, by all means, acts like an adequate sonic portfolio. It seems like this track emits even more melodies, harmonies, intricate low-end notes, and drumming maneuvers than any other number, so maybe that’s the reason why “Into The Light” left this one as the closing track. These experienced musicians will impress you with their ideas and musicianship. Their ability to seamlessly glide over different eras but still deliver their take on so many music genres goes beyond comprehension so many times throughout the entire material. It’s a top contender for one of the best alternative and post-hardcore releases this year, and you should put this self-titled EP on your radar as soon as possible. The EP is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!