R.C. Sullivan’s “Masquerade” EP is an outstanding blend of skatepunk, melodic punk rock, and melodic hardcore elements, feeling like a love letter to the late nineties and early noughties, with a modern take on the genre added along the way. Across four energetic tracks, the band blends fast-paced rhythms, technically demanding guitar work, and anthemic vocals suitable for even the pickiest fans of the genre. The first thing that hits you about “Masquerade” is the energy. From the first note, it’s clear that R.C. Sullivan know how to tap into that raw, adrenalized momentum that defined the best of late-nineties skatepunk. The fast, galloping drums, reminiscent of many renowned bands of the mentioned era, propel the EP forward with relentless speed. This isn’t just about playing fast for the sake of speed, though there’s a precision to the drumming that’s impressive. Every beat, every fill, and every break is perfectly timed, creating a sense of exciting, adrenaline-pumping, controlled chaos. The percussion is dynamic, with intricate fills and breaks that never feel repetitive, constantly shifting and keeping the listener on their toes. It’s fast, sure, but it’s also detailed, with a level of technicality that sets R.C. Sullivan apart from the typical skatepunk fare.
“Masquerade” is filled with heavy, powerful riffs that provide a solid backbone for the songs, but R.C. Sullivan doesn’t stop there. The guitar work is both technically demanding and melodically rich. Cleverly assembled leads, themes, melodies, and harmonies intertwine with chord progressions and riffs, creating an intricate soundscape. The chord progressions aren’t just your standard power chords, they’re complex, shifting, and filled with harmonic layers that give each song a sense of depth. Their ability to balance the aggression with these more sophisticated melodic structures makes “Masquerade” stand out. There’s a sense of craftsmanship in the way the guitars are layered and arranged that’s often missing in modern punk rock. For anyone who appreciates fast punk rock, the “Masquerade” EP arrives like a masterclass in how to blend melody with speed. There’s a clear nostalgia here for the melodic skatepunk of the late ’90s. Bands like Pennywise, 98 Mute, Propagandhi, No Fun At All, and Strung Out come to mind, but R.C. Sullivan bring their modern twist to the genre. The production is crisp and polished without losing the raw edge that makes punk rock feel alive. The guitar tones are sharp, the drums punch through the mix with clarity, and the bass rumbles underneath, providing a thick, heavy foundation. What’s particularly impressive is how the band manages to keep everything balanced. Despite the speed and complexity of the music, nothing feels overcrowded or messy. Each instrument has its own space, resulting in a marvelous sound.
The melodic vocal harmonies are the perfect counterpart to the fast, aggressive instrumentation. The lead singer’s voice moves effortlessly between low, mid, and high registers, adjusting to the mood and intensity of each track. Whether it’s a softer, more introspective moment or an all-out, shout-along chorus, the vocals feel perfectly in sync with the music. There’s an emotional weight to the singing that elevates the songs beyond just catchy punk anthems. They feel urgent, personal, and cathartic. But what pushes the vocals to the next level are the backing harmonies and singalongs. These moments are scattered throughout the EP, adding layers of depth and a sense of community to the music. When those gang vocals kick in during the chorus, it’s impossible not to imagine a crowd shouting along in unison, fists in the air. It’s those moments that give the songs their anthemic quality, and they’re some of the most memorable parts of the EP. Lyrically, Masquerade deals with themes of identity, struggle, and perseverance. While the lyrics aren’t overly complicated, they resonate because of their honesty and directness. There’s a sense of frustration in these words, but also hope—like a personal fight to overcome the obstacles life throws at you. This is where the music and lyrics work so well together. The fast-paced, aggressive instrumentation mirrors the lyrical themes of pushing through adversity, while the melodic, singalong choruses provide a sense of release and accomplishment.
The bass can get lost in the mix, overshadowed by the guitars and drums, but here, the bass is front and center, providing not just rhythm but also melodic counterpoints that add another layer of complexity to the music. The low-end notes give the songs a sense of heaviness and depth that balances out the more frenetic, high-energy guitar work. When the bass locks in with the drums during those fast-paced moments, it’s like a punch to the gut, in the best possible way. R.C. Sullivan’s Masquerade EP is a reminder of why skatepunk and melodic punk rock still matter. It’s a nod to the past, but with a modern sound that feels fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting. The band doesn’t shy away from technicality, and their ability to blend intricate musicianship with rawness and aggression is what makes this material stand out. It’s fast, aggressive, and packed with hooks, but it’s also thoughtful, with melodies and harmonies that linger long after the music stops. “Masquerade” feels like more than just a collection of four songs. It’s a cohesive statement, a declaration of everything that makes punk rock great: speed, melody, and heart. R.C. Sullivan has crafted an EP that will satisfy both the nostalgic cravings of longtime skatepunk fans and the modern sensibilities of newer listeners. It’s an exciting, fast-paced ride from scratch to finish, but it’s also one that rewards repeated listens, as you pick up on the intricate details and layers that make each song so effective. This is punk rock with brains, heart, and an endless energy supply. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering.
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