This EP of Dragged Out really lives up to its name, as many of the songs on the album suffer from being unnecessarily drawn out. One of the biggest issues is the extended runtimes of several tracks. Many of the songs seem to go on for too long, with simple song structures and a lot of repetition, which leads to a feeling of monotony. The riffs and drum patterns, though solid in their own right, are often dragged out to the point where they become tedious. It’s unclear whether this is a conscious creative decision or if the band just struggles with knowing when to cut a track short, but it definitely creates a lack of urgency. A lot of these songs feel like they’re treading water, and the longer they go on, the more they lose momentum.
While this issue of length and repetitiveness drags down the overall impact, there are definitely some positives to highlight. The production quality is a standout feature. Every track is mixed and balanced well, giving the songs a polished, sonically pleasing feel, even on the weaker tracks. The sound feels full and cohesive, which helps keep the listening experience engaging despite the drawbacks in songwriting.
Another strength of the band is the vocalist. There’s a lot of variety in his harsh vocal delivery, with a solid range that includes both deep growls and higher-pitched screams, alongside some effective vocal fry techniques. His performance is consistent, and he brings a lot of personality to the music, which helps to keep things interesting, even when the instrumental side of the songs starts to drag.
However, the band still has significant work ahead of them in terms of tightening up their sound. There's a clear potential for something vibrant and dynamic, but it feels like they’re not quite there yet. If they don’t learn to cut down on excess and bring more urgency and intensity to their songwriting, they risk remaining a dormant force in the scene, despite having the talent to break through. Ultimately, the band has the raw ingredients to succeed, but they need to refine their approach to keep listeners engaged throughout an entire album. If they can do that, they could transform from a potentially great band into a genuinely exciting one.
RATING: 6/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Machines
Isolation