SINGLE REVIEW: Bouquet – In the Creek

’…a tidal wave of emotive weight, the song crashes into the listener, soaring vocals unfurling over densely packed, breathtaking musicianship…’

Hey! Bouquet! Fuck you for breaking my heart!

Back in 2021, Iowa and Wisconsin based alternative band Bouquet dropped a debut EP that astounded listeners, myself included. ‘Cardinal’ was a beautiful and wonderfully human collection of songs that indicated that this was no ordinary emo outfit; there was a magic to this release that was impossible to deny.

This was followed up in 2022 with their single ‘Curtain Call’, and unfortunately, 2023 was a year without a release from this outfit. The wait, however, has been absolutely worth it, as ‘In the Creek’ once again demonstrates just what a magical collection of musicians Bouquet is.

The track opens up with a huge, atmospheric wall of melodic hardcore riffs, before surging into a driving verse, with intricate percussion and punchy bass. Then, with a tidal wave of emotive weight, the song crashes into the listener, soaring vocals unfurling over densely packed, breathtaking musicianship; Nick Booth is one of the finest vocalists in the alternative scene right now, with a raspy lower register that, with unparalleled effortlessness and might, explodes into belted passages that are beautifully performed. Even screamed vocals in the back half of the track are delivered with visceral, gut-wrenching catharsis on Booth’s behalf.

All of this serves to deliver a genuinely heartbreaking ode to the pain of losing a pet. The lyricism is as poetic as it is human, with gorgeous lines such as ‘My eyes scatter the trees/Hoping you come running and this was all a dream’ and ‘Left then right my feet collide/I barely know the way without you leading me’; certainly, it’s a track that anyone who has experienced loss of any kind will find deeply relatable, yet the way Bouquet have done justice to the bond of dog and human is remarkable, and will easily bring a tear to the eye of any owner.

Many bands deserve attention, some even lots of it. However, Bouquet are a band that deserve acclaim of the highest degree. Listen, and see for yourself that ultimately indescribable magic that seems to be weaved into their very fabric. Then, as soon as you’re done, check out their debut EP; you won’t be disappointed.

Oh, and er, perhaps grab a box of tissues if you plan on watching that music video. Fuck you, Bouquet.

For Fans Of: Casey, Holding Absence, Kayak Jones, Kerosene Heights, Wither Away

Featured photo credit belongs to @shiara.nivana

Follow the band on social media:

Instagram // Spotify // Twitter