San Jose hardcore outfit Natural Human Instinct hit hard on Second Stage, an EP that balances groove, atmosphere, and sheer weight without overcomplicating its sound. The band thrives on deep low-end, gritty riffs, and a steady sense of tension, drawing from hardcore, punk, and occasional flashes of Deftones-style moodiness.

The EP opens with All Systems Go, immediately setting the tone. A crawling bass line leads into pounding drums and murky, distorted riffs, creating a tight, heavy groove that propels the track forward rather than merely bludgeoning the listener. Vocals arrive as a husky, aggressive yell, perfectly matching the intensity, while subtle dynamics—including a solid double-kick pattern—add punch and depth.

Distress follows with stringy, hypnotic riffs layered over deliberate, measured drums. The ringing guitars and bass breathe, evoking shades of Deftones’ Bored filtered through a hardcore lens. Short, simple, and heavy, the track is propelled further by aggressive vocals that push it over the edge without overstaying their welcome.

On H.P.S, the band leans into their strengths: gritty, repetitive riffs that hit hard, backed by straightforward but effective drumming. The deep bass anchors the track through a heavy breakdown, keeping the momentum steady and preventing stagnation.

Overdrive marks the EP’s most experimental moment. Slow-building riffs and deep drums pull the listener in before settling into a crushing low-end groove. A standout moment comes when the instruments drop in the mix, giving the vocalist room to flex emotionally. The track closes on a surprisingly groovy note, with rolling drums and a bass-forward outro easing the aggression in a refreshing and unexpected way for a hardcore song.

The EP concludes with A New Light, a faster, punk-driven track powered by tight, rapid drums. Washed-out, shoegaze-style distortion adds texture and variety, while the bass remains clean and present. Dynamic shifts in the second half—pairing Deftones-like riffs with energetic drums—make this track arguably the EP’s most distinctive and a strong closer.

Overall, Second Stage benefits from clean, balanced production. Nothing feels underpowered or overwhelming, while the low-end clarity and careful layering allow the EP to hit hard while preserving atmosphere and groove. Natural Human Instinct establish a clear identity here, blending hardcore aggression with mood and texture, making Second Stage a solid, promising release from the San Jose scene.