‘…a gritty and dense approach to midwest emo that is certain to garner attention. For fans of emo, grunge, and even shoegaze, ‘Cobweb’ makes for essential autumn listening…’
Based out of England’s South West, Chasing Dolls are a four-piece that describe themselves as being raised by ‘sweaty grassroots venues, the skatepark, and parties in the middle of nowhere’. Emerging last year with a debut demo track, ‘Step On My Own Shadow’, the band have finally released their debut studio single, ‘Cobweb’, and throw their hat into the ring of the burgeoning UK grassroots emo scene.
Twinkling guitar riffs dance atop of buoyant grooves that are carved out by weighty percussion and buzzing bass lines in a display of musical contrasts. The resultant soundscape is both intimate yet cinematic, with the band bringing the track’s themes of self-acceptance and mindfulness to life with a spirited yet bittersweet edge; the darkest parts of the self must be loved as much as the beautiful parts to truly live at peace. It is deeply cathartic to behold.
All of this is brought together under the somewhat unconventional vocals, channelling emo screams through a gritty lower register to produce a vocal performance that immediately stands out. It works wonderfully in tandem with the sharply defined precision of the glittering guitar melodies to make the track feel expansive yet emotive; to love yourself can be a difficult and painful experience, yet can give you the strength to love the world around you.
Chasing Dolls are a very welcomed addition to the emerging emo scene within the UK’s grassroots, offering a gritty and dense approach to midwest emo that is certain to garner attention. For fans of emo, grunge, and even shoegaze, ‘Cobweb‘ makes for essential autumn listening, and makes a point that Chasing Dolls are a band well worth keeping an eye on.
For Fans Of: Sunny Day Real Estate, Title Fight, Vienna, Danger Dog, Kerosene Heights, Mud Whale
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