Stick To Your Guns, the California-based melodic hardcore band, has once again dug deep into their signature sound while introducing new, heavier elements to their music on their latest album Keep Planting Flowers. This release sees the band refining their musical style while maintaining the aggressive energy and passion they've become known for over nearly two decades.

The album features the band’s signature style of melodic, heavy riffs, which are as sharp and catchy as ever, yet now with a more intense and weighty edge. The drums fluctuate between tight, precise playing and larger, booming arrangements that make every track feel dynamic. The bass throughout the album is notable for its deep tuning, providing a solid backbone to the overall sound. The bass is layered well with the guitars, creating a rich, full sound that keeps things fresh and engaging.

The vocal performance on Keep Planting Flowers is one of the album's most refined elements. The band’s frontman has honed his clean and unclean vocals, bringing a cleaner and more polished delivery, especially during the clean chorus parts. That said, there are moments where the unclean vocals don’t always match the energy of the songs, making them feel a bit out of place at times. Despite this, the vocals overall still sound powerful and are delivered with precision and emotional intensity.

The album is a collection of short, well-paced songs, though a few moments of repetition crop up, especially in the choruses. However, the energy never drops, and the songs retain their urgency throughout. The production is crisp, making sure every element of the band’s sound stands out clearly. The song structures are mostly straightforward, with a few standout moments that break from the expected formula.

The album kicks off with "We All Die Anyway", which starts with a slow, brooding intro before exploding into the band’s classic heavy, riff-driven style. The deep drums and bold vocals set the stage for the album’s intensity, with a mix of melodic clean vocals and heavy gutturals balancing the aggression and melody perfectly.

In "Spineless", the band reaffirms their signature riff sound, which hits harder than ever, aided by deep bass and vibrant drums. The clean chorus stands out as a classic Stick To Your Guns moment, keeping the energy high without feeling stale after almost two decades of music. The band’s refined vocal delivery is evident here, with a balance of clean and unclean styles that feel both powerful and precise.

"Permanent Dark" brings a more hardcore edge with deep chugs and large, booming drums, though the song structure feels a bit formulaic at times. A standout moment comes when the instruments drop out for a brief section of just vocals, adding an emotional depth to the track. The song closes with a thought-provoking sample, reinforcing the band’s ongoing commitment to lyrical messages.

"Invisible Rain" brings a groove-heavy feel with tight, tight drums and a smooth interplay between heavy and light riffs. The clean vocals on the chorus are big and anthemic, while the positive lyrics provide a refreshing shift in tone. The deep bass tuning continues to shine throughout, contributing to the track’s flow and overall energy.

"Severed Forever" offers a punk-inspired vibe with catchy gang vocals and a solid rhythm section. The riffs here have a strong groove, especially during the clean vocal parts, making for a compelling track that keeps the energy up. The bass and drums come into their own as the song progresses, adding depth and power.

"More Than A Witness" delivers some of the album’s hardest riffs and fast-paced drum fills, capturing the raw emotion and intensity of hardcore in its purest form. The pacing is rapid, and the song hits hard, making it one of the most aggressive moments on the album. The deep bass and resonant vocals further amplify the song’s emotional impact.

The title track, "Keep Planting Flowers", introduces a softer, indie-like vibe that contrasts with the heavier nature of the rest of the album. Unfortunately, the unclean vocals here feel a bit out of place, as a cleaner delivery might have added more emotional weight to the deep lyrics. Despite this, the instrumentation builds beautifully, with the drums, bass, and guitars creating a powerful atmosphere.

"Eats Me Up" has a punk influence, with fast-paced drums and melodic riffs that feel somewhat lackluster until the final moments. The pummeling drums and hard-hitting riffs toward the end elevate the song, leaving a lasting impression as it wraps up.

"Who Needs Who" returns to the band’s signature hard-hitting style, with tight riffs, deep bass, and intense vocals. A standout breakdown towards the end, reminiscent of deathcore, adds a surprising twist, highlighting Stick To Your Guns' ability to experiment while staying grounded in their melodic hardcore roots.

Finally, "H84U" caps the album with blazing riffs and aggressive vocals. The guest vocals from Connie add a visceral, emotional layer, making for a powerful and dynamic track. The use of samples, tying back to the theme of growth and perseverance, brings everything full circle, concluding the album with a sense of closure and impact.