by Jesse Hudgins
Chicago is full of great music. New music is constantly being released, and new bands are popping up consistently. On May 2nd, Chicago super-group Violets released their debut EP, adding to Chicago’s great repertoire.
Violets consists of members of Blood People, The Methadones, and Naked Raygun. The EP is only four songs, but its impact makes you want more. Each song has its own aspect that makes you want to relisten to find something new within it, and you will because the band took time to layer instruments into each song.
Things kick off with the debut track “The Tower,” the perfect EP opener. You get a glimpse of what’s to come from the band through this track. Like others, this song features a catchy hook that’ll get stuck in your head quite quickly. Vocalist Aly Jados kills it on the vocals, pounding into every chorus with ferocity, and it continues throughout the rest of the EP.
The bass leads “Devotion” and remains a prominent aspect of the song. Looking at the bass work on the entire EP, there isn’t a moment where it isn’t exciting. It’s a rewarding aspect because if you don’t fully catch it in one song, on the next listen, it’s something that can easily grab your attention. “Devotion” also features great vocal layering throughout. At the end of the song, you have two different vocal sections happening alongside one another. I also love the ripping guitar solo that caps off the song.
A debate could be held on what is catchier on the track “Staring at the Ceiling,” the bass or the guitars. Each one can easily end up stuck in your head by the time the song ends. Bringing it all together is amazing drum work that perfectly complements and drives forward everything around it.
The EP ends with my favorite track, “Eras.” Everything that’s been said already could be put toward this song alone. Driving drums, catchy riffs on guitar and bass, amazing vocals, and wonderful layering are ever present in this track. The energy this song brings is unlike the energy of the other tracks on this EP. There’s an aggression that isn’t harsh but is something that moves the song as it goes along. The back-to-back solos in this song are great touches that just make this song even better.
Violets is an EP that can easily end up on any year-end list. Catchy hooks, great instrumentals all around, phenomenal vocals, and lyrics that get new meaning with each subsequent listen. I couldn’t recommend this EP more to anyone who’s a fan of Chicago punk rock. I’m excited to see what comes next from the band.
