EP REVIEW: King Like Mom – The Cycle

‘…’The Cycle’ refuses to be boxed in by labels, and in the process, delivers some surprisingly beautiful moments…’

Based out of New York City, King Like Mom have spent much of 2024 building up to their sophomore EP. The four-piece, having also appeared on Modern-day machines’ ‘resident’ EP, have released a steady stream of enticing singles, which culminated last week in the release of ‘The Cycle’.

At just over twenty minutes long, ‘The Cycle’ is a substantial little body of work, rivalling some full-length LPs for content. With some decently sized track lengths as well, it is clear that King Like Mom aren’t short on ambition, and thankfully, that ambition is smoothly executed in sonic form.

‘Fragrance’ is a dramatic yet brooding cut, with a gorgeous, resonant vocal performance buoyed by dramatic percussion and winding guitar melodies. The track’s back half is an electrifyingly anthemic affair that sweeps the listener up in a whirlwind of soaring guitars and brilliantly intricate bass. ‘DIE CRY HATE’ pushes the post-hardcore undertones of the band further to the forefront, with noodling guitar riffs that spiral about the listener, intersected with catchy choruses that beg you to shout along with the titular vocal hook.

‘Rain’ is a dreamy interlude-esque cut, with tender vocals set against a stripped back instrumental and softly drizzling rain, before perfectly segueing into ‘Rainbows’. A sublime conclusion to this substantial EP, the track features driving, powerful vocals that manage to weave catchy and compelling melodies whilst retaining heavy emotive impact. The conclusion is a surprising twist that sees blast beat pecussion and tremolo guitar picking exploding into a visceral, dramatic climax; it almost feels a little blackgaze in nature, perhaps as one might expect from Deafheaven.

‘Sammy Sosa’ brings a distinctive country flair to proceedings, although it would have been nice to hear King Like Mom double down on this fusion of country and post-hardcore; it’s an interesting idea, but feels as though the band have lacked the confidence to explore it fully. Furthermore, one or two of the tracks just feel as though they last a little too long given their contents. Again, this feels as though it might be simply a lack of confidence, as the band frequently show a wildly inventive potential through their sound; a full-length record of truly beautiful and memorable post-hardcore is something that feels well within the grasp of King Like Mom.

What King Like Mom lack in polish, they more than make up for in terms of their damn creative and deeply compelling approach to alternative rock. ‘The Cycle’ refuses to be boxed in by labels, and in the process, delivers some surprisingly beautiful moments that perfectly soundtrack the late days of summer. Where this band goes is anyone’s guess, but the ride looks to be an interesting one; get on board now.

RATING: 74/100 – Good

For Fans Of: With Sails Ahead, A Place For Owls, Followship, Manchester Orchestra, Redwood

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify