EP REVIEW: Re-read – Прокладений квітами шлях

‘… a warm, rich, and deeply human listening experience; it is a record that seeks to remind you that nobody is perfect…’

Based out of Kyiv and Lviv, Re-read are a Ukrainian emo outfit that emerged back in 2022. After a steady stream of releases, the five-piece would drop their debut full-length record ‘Повсякденність, драма, романтика’, (‘Everyday Life, Drama, Romance’) in 2024. Not content with staying quiet for too long, however, June of this year saw the band release a follow-up EP entitled ‘Прокладений квітами шлях‘ (‘A Path Paved With Flowers’).

The band describe ‘Прокладений квітами шлях‘ as taking complex emotions and reworking them into a path towards inner peace. It’s a collection of songs that looks at some of the darker aspects of the human experience, from obsession to grief, and seeks to remind the listener that not only are the dark times temporary, but necessary for growth.

‘Те, що потрібно зараз‘ (‘What is Needed Now’) is a brilliantly buoyant and delightfully defiant number, serving as a push-back against dark times. The gang vocals are wonderfully utilised, adding a rich warmth to passages without being overdone. The rhythms compel you to get up and dance, perfectly working alongside the catchy and compelling melodies of Kate Mikotova. ‘Моя квітнева розгубленість‘ (‘My April Confusion’) features some genuinely gorgeous guitar work that dances about atop of jittering percussion. The track swings between spirited verses and anxious choruses, as the vocals sparkle with desperate, near-obsessive affection.

Despite its introspective and somewhat mournful nature, ‘Я буду краще‘ (‘I Will Do Better)’ loses none of the sparkle or electrifying energy that the other tracks posses. Mikotova is at conflict with herself, struggling to be the person they want to be against the person that the world brings out of them. The feathery backing harmonies work beautifully against the simplistic, catchy melodies of the central vocal line, giving the track a real sense of warmth and resonance. ‘Н. П.‘ (‘N. P.’) is a beautiful closing number, with cinematic instrumentation that consists of shimmering, reverb-tinged guitars and softly swaying rhythms. Mikotova sings of loved ones no longer present physically, yet living on through the memories of those who loved them; it perfectly encapsulates the idea that we live as much through the people around as we do through ourselves as an individual.

If you’re looking for a hopeful listen during dark times, then ‘Прокладений квітами шлях‘ may well be the perfect EP for you. The musical ideas present are not here to revolutionise emo and herald some sixth wave, but instead provide a warm, rich, and deeply human listening experience; it is a record that seeks to remind you that nobody is perfect, and that all that we can do is our very best. Re-read are a wonderful reminder that music can transcend any language barrier.

RATING: 77/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Origami Angel, saturdays at your place,

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify