Crush Your Soul's “Living Gracious” is a fierce and dynamic EP that shows off the band’s ability to merge hardcore, metal, and hip-hop influences into something dark, powerful, and uniquely their own. The opening track, “Madness Begins,” sets the tone with a creepy and eerie sample clip that feels slightly cheesy at first but quickly draws you in with its ominous vibe. As the track progresses, the tension builds with slow DJ scratching, enhancing the dark atmosphere that permeates the entire EP.

From there, the band transitions into “Crush,” a heavy, slow-moving track that revolves around the repeated mantra of “crush.” The song’s deep, crushing riffs are complemented by dark, evil-sounding drums that slow things down even further, while the vocals strike a balance between hefty and light. The bass cuts through with a hard, deep sound, and the overall production is solid and well-mixed, maintaining the track's punishing intensity.

“Wish Death” brings a bit of a Deftones vibe with its heavier, chuggy riffs that pack a punch. The cymbal splashes and the overall sound of the drums give the track a nice texture, while the chugging riffs and rhythmic tinging make for a compelling listen. The massive drum fills create a huge, thunderous sound, especially during the dirty breakdown, where the simple drum patterns and one-note strums emphasize the track’s raw power.

Next, “Why They Made Sidewalks” brings a refreshing and unexpected hip-hop influence, with a sample that hits hard and gives the track a sense of swagger. The distorted recordings only add to the atmosphere, giving it a haunting, lo-fi feel that’s both creepy and cool. The production here is fascinating, blending elements of both hip-hop and hardcore in a way that feels fresh and unique.

In “RV Allstars,” the fusion of hip-hop culture and metal becomes even more pronounced, with guest vocals that sound demonic and huge. The drums, once again, stand out with their snappy snares and deep, resonant kicks, while the riffs remain dense and impactful. While the guest vocals—provided by Kobas—are a bit muffled and hard to hear at times, they still add an undeniable intensity to the track.

“Deep Blue Sea” uses sample clips to further bind the band’s style together, with each clip blending effortlessly into the music. The track thrives on atmosphere, layering in textures that enhance the overall sound and provide a sense of cohesion. The samples are not just gimmicks but integral pieces that build on the band’s dark, experimental approach.

Finally, the EP closes with the title track, “Living Gracious,” which kicks off with snappy drums and transitions into slower, beefier riffs. The track carries a deep, Biohazard-esque bass that packs a punch, while the drums deliver a satisfying groove. The riffs become progressively slower and more crushing, incorporating some dissonant moments that add a bit of complexity to the song’s heaviness. There’s a smooth transition into groovy, powerful riffs that keep the track fresh and engaging until the very end.

Overall, Living Gracious is an EP that stands out in the hardcore scene, demonstrating Crush Your Soul’s talent for blending genres, crafting mood, and maintaining a relentless energy. Whether it's the punishing heaviness of "Crush," the experimental touches in "Why They Made Sidewalks," or the raw intensity of "RV Allstars," this band shows that they’re more than just another hardcore group—they’re a force to be reckoned with in 2025.