More about: Crystal Tides

Crystal Tides never shy away from their pop-punk sensibilities; from early singles ‘Backbiting’ and ‘Lifeline’ the Portsmouth four-piece return with their eagerly-anticipated debut EP Eat Your Words - with bold statements to a certain someone, to pouring their hearts out, it’s sprinkled with every emotion under the sun…

Opening up, ‘Courtney Love’ is a big “eff you” to those who exploit young, vulnerable bands within the music industry. Not only does it set the tone perfectly with caramel-smooth vocals and tangy beats, but Crystal Tides instantly jump into this EP with everything they’ve got, including newfound confidence and an honest voice. 

The next two offerings ‘Headcase’ and ‘Last Time’ follow a strict pattern. Delving into themes of relationships and break-ups, it leaves us all pondering: who hurt them? Both sounding completely different: while ‘Headcase’ drips with jangly beats and slick guitar licks, ‘Last Time’ is a chunkier version of the band. It’s laced with distortion, a sense of anger and whirling riffs. With their signature pop-punk sound taking centre stage, the euphoric bridge is goosebump-inducing and daring; it’s one for the gigs, for sure. 

Written when things were tough, ‘Come Down’ carries a simple message: don’t let anyone bring you down. The use of tones and simple layers are prominent - it flows with passion and stamina from the get-go and shows Crystal Tides in their full-glory. 

Ending on a passionate and sentimental note, ‘Closer’ closes the EP with a bang. Offering a homage to love, it was penned through a realisation that if you love someone, no one should question it. Opening up their hearts, the four-piece simply know how to pluck at someone’s heartstrings as they expose their soft side. 

Eat Your Words is near flawless: it shows the band at their best, their multiple layers and versatility is what makes their debut EP a complete rollercoaster - and I’m here for it. 

Eat Your Words is out now.

More about: Crystal Tides