By the time you finish listening to this hardcore/punk EP, you'll likely find yourself drawn to Shutdown’s unique ability to blend both heavy and light elements in a way that feels fresh and compelling.

The band has mastered the art of blending heavy beatdown-style hardcore, punk, and pop-punk in a way that keeps you hooked. But what truly sets them apart is their vocals, which stand at the center of everything they do. The vocal style is a fascinating mix of Eddie Leeway of Leeway and Davy of AFI, combining raw, gritty energy with a surprising sense of lightness. Tracks like "What Are You Thinking?" showcase this dynamic well, offering a blend of light but emotionally raw vocals that complement the intense musical backdrop.

You might expect the light, almost delicate vocal style to clash with their heavier sound, but somehow, it all works—especially on songs like “Our Time.” The only time the vocals feel a little out of place is on “By Your Side,” where they come across as a bit too clean and lacking the raw energy that the band’s style demands.

Musically, the riffs are simple but effective. They maintain a consistent vibe throughout the EP, never veering into overly complicated territory, but always serving the song well. The bass deserves a special mention for its thick, groovy feel that opens many tracks with style, particularly on “Untouchable,” where it sounds downright fantastic.

The drums, especially the snare, have a crisp, snappy quality that enhances the band’s mix of youth crew punk and beatdown hardcore influences. The punchy, tight drum work is especially prominent on “Is This the End?” where the snare cuts through the mix with precision.

Track Breakdown

"Our Time" This track channels a strong NYC-style influence, with riffs that scream classic hardcore. The bass has a gritty, dirty feel, adding a sense of weight to the track. The drums are loud and boombastic, but it’s the vocals that truly stand out here. They defy expectations by working surprisingly well over this hard-hitting instrumental, offering a fresh take on the heavy, growling style often associated with hardcore. The high-pitched vocals give the track a new dimension, reminiscent of Leeway but with more of a mix of youth crew and NYC hardcore elements.

"By Your Side" This track features some great bass playing and solid mixing. The snare drum pops nicely, keeping the energy up. However, the vocals here feel overly clean and lack the grit they’ve shown in other songs. The gang vocals are a nice touch, but the overall vibe feels a little too standard and predictable, lacking the edge that makes the band stand out on other tracks.

"Untouchable" The bass again shines here, with a well-mixed, dirty tone that anchors the track. The clean vocals return, and they carry more grit this time, similar to a softer version of Mindforce’s vocal style. The drums and riffs maintain a gritty feel that complements the vocals well. The breakdown in the middle has a bit of a Trapped Under Ice vibe, though lighter. The snare drum continues to sound excellent, driving the rhythm home.

"Is This the End?" This slower, heavier track uses a stop-and-go riff style that complements the vocals perfectly. The unclean vocals are raw and unpolished, which works in their favor. The song structure is somewhat predictable, but the energy and execution make it enjoyable all the same.

"Another Day" The bass takes the spotlight again on this track, and it’s clear the band has a lot of respect for this element of their sound. The vocals are heavily influenced by AFI here, adding a punk vibe to the mix. While the vocals are less gritty, they work well with the punk-inspired style of the track. The singer knows how to hold a note, making this a standout moment for their vocal ability.

"What Are You Thinking?" This track brings a pop-punk feel to the table, adding more diversity to the band’s range. The riffs are heavy yet bouncy, keeping the energy high, while the drums snap and drive the pace forward. The chorus, with the line "What are you thinking?" is catchy and adds a bit of pop sensibility to the hardcore/punk mix, showing just how well the band’s vocal approach can stretch across different styles.

In summary, Shutdown brings a refreshing twist to hardcore and punk, blending heavy and light in a way that’s unique and engaging. The vocals are the real highlight, and the band knows how to use them to their advantage, whether they’re offering raw grit or light, catchy moments. With solid instrumentals and a knack for mixing different sub-genres, this EP proves to be an exciting listen from start to finish.