MS Paint’s new EP, No Separation, is a bold evolution for the Mississippi quartet—an exploration of hardcore that ditches tradition in favor of a deeply experimental, synth-driven approach. The band has already carved out a reputation for blending intensity with accessibility, but here they push further into atmospheric territory, merging punk urgency with electronic textures and bass-heavy minimalism. The result is a sound that feels both stripped-down and futuristic, raw yet hypnotic, and unmistakably their own.

The opener, “Drift,” immediately establishes this direction with a slow, grimy bassline and tight, locked-in drumming that create a mechanical, almost industrial pulse. The vocals sit cleanly in the mix but carry a processed sharpness, blurring the line between human expression and digital manipulation. Subtle ’80s-style synths hover in the background, adding a cold shimmer that deepens the track’s eerie mood. It’s not a typical hardcore opener—it’s spacious, moody, and strangely soothing—yet it sets the stage perfectly for the EP’s atmosphere-heavy approach.

Energy spikes with “Wildfire,” a track that feels like MS Paint at their most chaotic and urgent. The tempo jumps, the bass gets thicker and fuzzier, and the shouted vocals inject a sense of frantic momentum. The synths, while clearly influenced by retro sounds, take on a neon-lit cyberpunk quality, creating a backdrop that feels simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic. Midway through, the song melts into a warped, psychedelic detour with washed-out vocals, only to surge back into a roaring finish. Its contrasts—soft vs. explosive, smooth vs. jagged—make it one of the most dynamic and memorable tracks on the record.

“Surveillance” slows the pace without losing intensity. It opens with a pointed sample critiquing corporate power, giving the track an immediate edge of rebellion. The vocals alternate between calm spoken lines and shouted refrains, channeling a Rage Against the Machine-style cadence but delivered through MS Paint’s synth-punk lens. The absence of guitars becomes a defining feature here; instead, the deep, crackling bass and brooding synth swells take center stage, giving the song a heavy, suffocating atmosphere. By the time the distorted screams hit near the end, the track feels like it's collapsing into itself in the best way possible.

The EP reaches its harshest point with the title track, “No Separation.” A distorted bass-and-synth assault opens the song, immediately signaling something more abrasive. The vocals come out forcefully, pushing the track forward with urgency while the drums stay tight and purposeful beneath the chaos. What stands out most is how the synths operate like a lead instrument—they’re expressive, aggressive, and constantly shifting textures. The interplay between clean vocals, layered shouts, and synthetic leads gives the song a dense, electrified feel, and the production keeps everything sharp without sacrificing weight.

Closing the EP, “Angel” offers a moment of breathing room. Soft keys and a simple, deep bassline give the track an airy, reflective atmosphere, and the more ethereal vocals help create a sense of calm. A light touch of autotune adds to the track’s dreamlike quality without overshadowing it. But MS Paint can’t resist pushing back into intensity—the song gradually builds into a sharp, hard-edged synth section with a repetitive beat that feels almost trance-like. It’s a gentler finale, but still rich with the band’s signature tension and texture.

In the end, No Separation is a striking statement—an EP that refuses to rely on hardcore orthodoxy and instead crafts something more atmospheric, more synthetic, and refreshingly original. By leaning heavily on bass, drums, and synths instead of guitars, MS Paint sets themselves apart from their peers while still maintaining a powerful sense of aggression. It’s experimental without losing emotional grounding, heavy without becoming monotone, and consistently intriguing. For listeners seeking hardcore that’s willing to break rules and explore unfamiliar territory, No Separation is essential listening.