Good Teal’s debut EP doesn’t just flirt with hardcore—it cannonballs into it, splashing punk urgency, shoegaze haze, alt-grunge grit, and hard rock swagger into a sound that defies easy classification yet remains instantly engaging. Rather than plant a flag in one specific subgenre, Good Teal crafts a record that’s about movement, contrast, and pushing the edges of heaviness in unexpected directions.

From the jump, it’s clear this isn’t a by-the-numbers hardcore project. Opening track “Parasites!” eases in with a slightly off-kilter guitar intro, lulling the listener into a calm before the storm. What follows is a stylishly syncopated drum groove that builds into a wave of metal-tinged aggression. The band balances dynamics with ease, shifting gears without losing momentum or cohesion. This same nimbleness is on display in “Lookout,” which explodes into rapid punk drums and double kicks, featuring a razor-sharp crossover thrash solo that could easily slot into any modern hardcore set.

The band’s not-so-secret weapon across the EP is the drumming, which stands out as a major highlight. Whether it’s anchoring the chaotic genre blend of “Spouse” with tight, groove-heavy precision or driving the hypnotic, spaced-out pulse of “Newark Vs. Brimstone,” the percussion work here is not just technically impressive—it’s expressive and propulsive. It provides the glue that holds Good Teal’s genre-swerving ambitions together.

The bass work deserves nearly as much praise. Thick and resonant throughout, it takes on different textures depending on the track: fuzzed-out and snarling on “Parasites!”, low and mellow on “Newark Vs. Brimstone,” and given the spotlight on the title track, “Good Teal,” where it emerges with a solo moment that feels earned rather than ornamental.

What really sets this EP apart is the band’s approach to heaviness—unpredictable, but always deliberate. On “Excusing the Hurt,” the band builds anticipation for a massive, crushing payoff… only to cut it short at the last second, subverting the listener’s expectations in a way that feels more clever than coy. Meanwhile, “Freefall!” trades hardcore’s usual raw aggression for anthemic, almost radio-ready swagger. Its soaring chorus lands somewhere between Bad Religion and Queens of the Stone Age, with just enough bite to keep it grounded in the record’s heavier context.

The EP takes an emotional turn with “Bittersweet,” a slower, more introspective cut that dips into ‘90s alt-rock and post-hardcore textures. Clean guitars shimmer beneath strained vocals, pulling influence from the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate or Hum, showing the band’s ability to shift mood without sacrificing intensity. And just when you think they’ve shown all their cards, closer “Good Teal” arrives as the band’s full mission statement: huge drums, sludgy riffs, layered vocal screams, experimental breakdowns, and even a perfectly placed cowbell—all converging in a finale that manages to feel both playful and punishing.

For a debut, the production is impressively polished. Every instrument is given room to breathe, the mix remains balanced even in its densest moments, and the EP as a whole sounds more refined than many seasoned acts’ first offerings.

While some genre purists may raise an eyebrow at its hardcore label, this EP isn’t trying to win purity points. Instead, it stands tall as a post-hardcore fusion project—fearless, genre-fluid, and remarkably self-assured for a first release. Good Teal may not be interested in fitting into one box, and that’s exactly what makes this debut feel so exciting. The band isn’t just experimenting—they’re already executing with purpose.

Good Teal’s debut EP is a confident and creative burst of genre-bending energy. It challenges hardcore conventions while honoring the spirit of the genre’s urgency. A bold first statement from a band clearly unafraid to take risks.

Rating: 7/10