After the dust settles and the ashes fade away, the raw power of Florida hardcore band Day by Day shines through, despite a few missteps along the way. Their latest EP delivers an intense and gritty sound that captures the essence of hardcore, even if it doesn't always hit the mark.

The raw production gives the band an undeniable edge, with a roughness that complements their aggressive style. The vocals show a good variety, ranging from high-pitched screams to low gutturals, and while they are generally balanced, there are moments where they could have used a bit more finesse.

The drumming, particularly the snare, stands out as a highlight. The snare has an intense snap that really makes its presence felt, and the overall drumming throughout the EP brings a unique energy. The bass provides a solid foundation, with a deep and mellow vibe that helps keep things grounded.

The riffs, while often heavy, occasionally fall flat in terms of innovation. Some of them feel overly familiar, echoing older bands and creating a sense of predictability. Additionally, some of the song structures come across as sloppy or janky, lacking the fluidity needed to elevate the tracks.

The EP kicks off with "respect 101",  a snare that hits hard, setting a powerful tone. The drums overall are solid, but that snare really steals the show. The chuggy riffs are good, though the bass is a bit mild and doesn’t stand out as much as it could. The vocals are dynamic, able to shift from higher-pitched screams to lower growls, though it doesn’t feel like a standout opener.

The "Until then... It's War", begins with a slow, brooding guitar intro, before diving into some '90s-influenced hardcore. The bass takes a more prominent role here, providing some much-needed presence. The vocals mix hardcore and death metal influences, which is interesting, though the song structure feels a bit by the book. However, as things slow down and the band experiments with more complex vocal patterns, the track becomes more engaging. The breakdown towards the end is solid, with some great deep vocals and dynamic drumming that keeps things interesting.

Once again, the snare delivers with that crisp sound on "the posion". The drummer really shines here, showcasing a unique style that’s arguably the best part of the band’s sound. The bass is thick and deep, and the balance between heavy and lighter vocals works well. However, while the riffs are heavy and chuggy, they don’t offer much new. They feel a bit too familiar, which leads to the song feeling somewhat stale. That said, the back end of the track does pick up, with some interesting changes in riff and drum patterns that give it more character.

"Still Bleeds" opens with deep bass and menacing drums, creating a brooding atmosphere. The band’s unique sound is evident, but once again, the riffs don’t feel as emotionally impactful as they could be. The breakdown is a standout moment, with some truly tasteful drumming that helps elevate the track. The opening of this "peace and annihilation" has a great, groovy flow that hooks you right in. The riffs are more distinct and unique this time around, helping to set the track apart. However, some of the drums do feel a bit sloppy at times, detracting from the overall tightness of the song.

"Fakes & Liars II" has a strong '90s hardcore influence, with groovy, bouncy riffs and drums that keep things moving. The riffs feel less like direct copies of older bands and more like an homage to the genre, which gives the track its own flavor. The bass is thick and powerful, adding a great foundation to the song. The vocals are passionate and the lyrics resonate well. The slow build-up towards the end, with the bass leading the way, provides a satisfying conclusion to the EP.

In conclusion, Day by Day delivers a raw, intense EP that captures the essence of hardcore, with standout moments in the drumming and some interesting vocal variety. However, the riffs and song structures sometimes feel too familiar or unpolished, holding the band back from reaching their full potential. Despite these flaws, the EP is worth checking out for fans of the genre, and there's definitely room for growth in their future releases.