Lost and afraid…and I like it. Boston’s MouthBreather have been making chaotic, abrasive heavy music since 2016, combining mathcore, metalcore, grindcore, and powerviolence into a sound that's all over the place in the best way possible. The band calls their style “gadget metal,” and this five-track EP is a solid example of what that means. At around ten minutes long, If I Lose Everything, You All Lose Everything doesn't waste time easing you in. It just hits you in the face and keeps swinging, throwing together frantic riffs, punishing breakdowns, nasty vocals, and unpredictable arrangements that keep you guessing. There's no shortage of heaviness here, but what makes the EP work is how well MouthBreather balance that chaos with groove.

“Terrified” opens with fast, intense drumming and erratic guitar riffs that remind me of Great American Ghost's frantic metalcore style. The song constantly shifts between chaotic bursts of aggression and heavier, groovier sections built around dense drums and chunky bass. The vocals are raw and rapid, moving between nasty low screams and sharper highs that match the track's unpredictable energy. There's plenty happening in the guitar work, too, with little details scattered throughout that give you something to latch onto between the more overwhelming moments. Just when you think you've got a handle on the song, it drops into a slow, distorted breakdown that brings everything down to a crushing crawl. It's a strong opener that makes the band's intentions clear from the start.

“Gold Star For You” keeps that momentum going with deep, weighty drums, scattered riffs, and frantic vocals. When the heavier guitar sections kick in, everything feels thick and dense, with some serious bounce behind the riffs. The drumming might be relatively straightforward compared with the guitar work and vocals, but quick rolls and fills keep the track moving without making it feel unnecessarily complicated. That balance gives the heavier sections room to breathe while maintaining the song's relentless energy. And, of course, the breakdown hits hard. The whole track feels like getting repeatedly punched in the face by someone who really doesn't like you. It's ugly, aggressive, and ridiculously satisfying.

“Repeat After Me” has a tighter, sharper sound, built around chunky bass, harsh riffs, and drums that land with plenty of force. The guitar work feels a little cleaner here, but that doesn't make the song any less abrasive. MouthBreather understand that heaviness isn't just about playing as fast or loudly as possible; the way they switch between different textures and rhythms makes the impact hit even harder. The arrangement keeps you on your toes, with little shifts that prevent the song from becoming predictable. Toward the back end, another chunky breakdown brings the weight back, accompanied by high-pitched guitar work that sounds almost panic-inducing. It's a great example of how the band can make a short track feel packed with movement without losing its focus.

“You Look Down on Me” brings deep, plucky bass and sharp riffs together with punishing drums and genuinely pissed-off vocals. There's a real intensity to the performance, making the aggression feel natural rather than forced. The rhythm section gives the song a solid foundation while the guitars and vocals keep things abrasive. What I appreciate most is the more melodic turn toward the end. It adds some variety to the EP without softening the band's overall sound, showing that MouthBreather can introduce a different dynamic without abandoning the ugliness that makes their music work. It's a welcome change of pace that keeps the five-track release from feeling too one-dimensional.

Finally, “Annie” builds quickly through fast drums and riffs before unleashing another round of thick bass, nasty vocals, and wild, abrasive metalcore with a deathcore edge. It brings together many of the elements that make the EP effective: rapid shifts, dense instrumentation, unhinged vocals, and enough low-end weight to make the heavier sections hit hard. Rather than stretching things out, the band get straight to the point and deliver another concentrated blast of aggression. As a closing track, it fits the EP's short-and-nasty approach perfectly.

Overall, If I Lose Everything, You All Lose Everything is short, nasty, and packed with energy. Five tracks and roughly ten minutes are enough for MouthBreather to deliver an overwhelming dose of chaotic heavy music without wearing out their welcome. The unpredictable arrangements, crushing breakdowns, and chunky grooves keep everything from turning into one long blur of noise. If anything, the short runtime leaves you wanting a little more, but there's something appealing about a release that gets in, does its damage, and gets out. MouthBreather aren't trying to make this music comfortable or easy to digest, and that's part of the appeal. The EP is abrasive without being aimless, and its combination of mathcore chaos and heavy, rhythmic punches makes for a thoroughly entertaining listen.