“Beauty fades and happiness is a moment.”
It’s no secret that emo/pop-punk hybrids are being pushed more to the forefront over the past year. Whether it’s the so-called Emo Revival or just a need for more empathetic music that can still get you moving, bands are being drawn to this mix of catchy hooks and an earlier ’00s style of lyrics, citing veterans like Taking Back Sunday and Brand New as influences.
Enter Leeds-based band Dire Bloom. On their debut EP, Facade, the group delivers six tight tracks that earnestly bridge the gap between emo and pop-punk. The gruff vocals pull you back to the emo days of 2006, while the twisting guitar riffs wouldn’t sound out of place on a current pop-punk tour. Their lyrics are strong and, while not groundbreaking, they’re relatable—after a few listens, you’ll be singing along like you’ve known the words your whole life.
Dire Bloom was pitched to me as a fan of Moose Blood, and the comparison is well-deserved—who doesn’t appreciate a good emo/pop-punk hybrid? The first three songs are good but it takes a couple of listens for them to really stick in your brain. The EP hits its stride in the middle: “Fletcher” is sharp and biting with lyrics like “I’ll be just fine, being myself despite your lies”, while “Bliss” is slower, a love song with a triumphant ending of “You turned me around, to make me feel like I’m brand new”. You can hear where the band draws their influences from, but they still need a little time to make their sound truly stand out from the crowd.
With a knack for cutting lyrics and infectious riffs, Dire Bloom is a band to watch in the next few years, especially once they’ve had a chance to hone their raw talent into something a little more polished.
Buy it, Stream it, or Skip it: Stream it! Brooding lyrics and pop-punk guitars are always a good combination, especially when the band is genuinely talented.
