It is no secret that we here at NotTheAmp absolutely adore California's premier Goth Rock band, Ashes Fallen, so it is an absolute pleasure to give their newest EP, simply titled "V" the review it deserves. Hot on the tail of their critically acclaimed full-length, "Walk Through Fire", the trio have recrafted one song off of each release in celebration of their 5th anniversary as a band. Starting off with "We Belong Nowhere (Diaspora Mix)" is drenched in dreamy synthesizers, bringing in a somber tone befitting a song that unabashedly addresses the pervasive homelessness in the USA. "Unrequited (Come Undone Mix)" brings a pulsing, manic heartbeat to the rhythm section, while James Perry's guitar floats on waves of jangly reverb and delay. The interlude treats us to a saxophone playing gently behind the mix, really driving home the theme of unreciprocated love. The EP ends with an absolute bang, as "Damn Me (Ninth Cricle Mix)" creeps in from the embers of the previous song, just to kick in with the bands signature heavy guitars and an absolutely crushing bassline. The same sax we heard earlier, goes from a tone fitting any New Romantic band to being something more sinister, like a cobra rising from a basket, hood extended and fangs bared. While somewhat subdued in tempo from the original iteration, this "what-if" variant of the song hits so much harder, conveying all the angst in razor sharp dulcet tones of the both James and Michelle's paired vocals. If you somehow managed to miss one of 2023's best underground albums, then "V" is a good starting point to get acquainted with one of Goth Rocks best and brightest bands. This EP is honestly too good to miss out on!
Standout Track: If I had to pick one, it would have to be aggressively and brilliantly reimagined "Damn Me (Ninth Circle Mix)".
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