New Jersey-based trio Quiz Show returns with another outstanding material. Comprised of Shudder To Think’s Chris Matthews and bassist Jesse Krakow, alongside the rhythmically adept Joe Billy III on drums, Quiz Show‘s latest offering, the “Flotsam” EP demonstrates years of experience distilled into engaging post-hardcore music. Following the critical acclaim garnered by their eponymous debut album in 2023, Quiz Show returns with three tracks that will immediately grab your attention and refuse to let go until the last notes and beats. Released via Montclair, NJ-based Magic Door Record Label, this EP solidifies Quiz Show’s position as one of the best contemporary post-hardcore/indie bands.
With each track serving as a unique entry point into Quiz Show’s sonic universe, these experienced musicians showcase their boundless creativity and talent from scratch to finish. “Super Concrete,” the EP’s opening salvo, charms with its contagious energy and melodies. Matthews’s vocals, characterized by its charismatic delivery and emotional depth, soar above the driving rhythms laid down by Krakow’s bass and Billy’s drums. It exemplifies their ability to craft catchy and substantive songs, inviting listeners to delve even deeper with each subsequent listen. As the EP unfolds, it becomes clear that Quiz Show’s sonic palette is as ultimately dynamic and diverse. “Packing ‘Em In” channels the raw energy of punk rock, with Matthews’s marvelous vocal range leading the charge against a backdrop built upon frenzied guitars and energetic rhythmic sequences. There’s a sense of cohesion and purpose, speaking to the band’s attention to even the tiniest details and nuances, and Quiz Show is not afraid to show every bit and piece through their exceptional musicianship.
“China Glaze,” the EP’s closing track, acts as an appropriate conclusion of Quiz Show’s musical voyage. Matthews’s vocals take center stage, navigating the song’s intricate melodies and emotive lyrics with poise and conviction. Krakow’s basslines rumble beneath the surface, adding depth and texture to the arrangement, while Billy’s drumming provides a solid foundation propelling all the instrumentations to the max. What truly sets Quiz Show apart is their ability to blend diverse musical styles into a cohesive whole. Drawing inspiration from the eighties and nineties post-hardcore, post-punk, proto-grunge, and alternative rock, the band crafts a familiar but innovative sound. These qualities vividly showcase their creativity and versatility as musicians, as well as their willingness to break all the rules and shapeshift the boundaries of so many music genres. “Flotsam” EP stands as rock-solid proof of Quiz Show’s continued evolution as songwriters and musicians. From catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics to a tight rhythm section, each track exemplifies their collective talent and vision. With its dynamic arrangements and heartfelt performances, this material demands to be heard.
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