EP REVIEW: Deer Fang – Blossom

’…an endearing and empowering assortment of songs that absolutely deserve a spot on your playlists as we enter late summer…’

Based out of Ontario, Canada, Deer Fang describe themselves as a ‘modern version of all that is nostalgic and familiar’, and with such a succinct and perfectly written description of their sound already existing, perhaps there is little use of me writing this review.

But the music is good enough that I’ll do it anyway.

After a string of singles, the band have brought all of their released material together with one final track under the banner of their debut EP, ‘Blossom’. At four tracks long, it is a wonderfully concise listen that perfectly establishes who the band are, their artistic vision, and why you should pay close attention to these Canadian newcomers.

What Deer Fang present here is a carefully crafted blend of grunge, shoegaze, and pop-punk, culminating in something that feels as wonderfully 90’s as does invitingly relevant. Bittersweet and devilishly catchy vocal melodies are layered atop of chunky, fuzzy guitar riffs and punchy rhythms, capturing a distinct, hazy atmosphere that is crammed with nostalgia and lyrical melancholy.

One of the highlights is ‘Reflections’. It’s a driving affair, with choruses that gently soar with compelling, uplifting vocal melodies and a perfectly executed combination of punchy rhythm guitars and subtly intricate lead guitar melodies. On the other hand, ‘Ashes’ hammers home the nostalgic sonic sentiments of the EP, with its huge, fuzzy walls of guitar and drums layered beneath delicate vocals that hover in a higher register.

For a debut EP, this is an incredibly solid collection of tracks, perfectly encapsulating who Deer Fang are, and the musical ground they seek to establish themselves upon. It’s nothing revolutionary, but what it does offer is an endearing and empowering assortment of songs that absolutely deserve a spot on your playlists as we enter late summer; you simply cannot help but be won over by their charm and heart. Keep a close eye on this band.

RATING: 76/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: TNL VZN, No Doubt, Paramore, Ocean Grove, My Chemical Romance

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify