Melodic punk band Sutras delivers a raw and emotionally driven debut with The Crisis of Existence, a record grounded in themes of community, working-class identity, and personal struggle. There’s a strong emotional thread running through the album, especially in tracks like “Working Class Devotion,” where the lyric “civil suicide / working class devotion” hits with a sharp, visceral honesty.
Throughout the album, Sutras showcases a clear intent to speak to collective experience and inner turmoil, even if the execution sometimes stumbles. Musically, the band leans heavily on simple, repetitive song structures. Tracks like “Racing Sundown” and “Welcome, Kingdom Kids” feature guitars that feel rough around the edges, almost as if the band is still finding their footing. While that rawness can lend charm, it occasionally results in songs that feel rigid or unfinished. The vocals often carry a strong emotional charge, but they’re most effective when paired with backing vocals, as heard in “Karma to Burn” and “Bloom watch”, where those layered harmonies inject a needed sense of depth. The rhythm section consistently brings the most polish to the record. The bass is warm, heavy, and expressive, and the drums—especially on songs like “Welcome, Kingdom Kids” and “Bloom Watch”—establish a solid groove that often outshines the guitars.
While the guitar work can feel overly simplistic, there are moments, particularly during the emotional peaks of “Bloom Watch”, where everything clicks and the urgency finally breaks through. Despite its flaws, The Crisis of Existence is an earnest and heartfelt project. The production is clean, allowing each instrument space to breathe, and the overall aesthetic captures the DIY spirit of melodic punk. The final track, “Being Nobody, Going Nowhere,” closes the album with a looser, more upbeat energy, hinting at a direction the band might explore more confidently in the future. Sutras shows real potential—especially in their lyricism and rhythm section. While their sound still feels rough and somewhat inexperienced, the core emotion and intent are clear. The Crisis of Existence is a record about finding one’s voice—and with some growth, Sutras could absolutely carve out theirs in the melodic punk scene.
RATING: 6/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Karma To Burn
Bloom Watch