EP REVIEW: labyrinthine oceans – for the flesh and for the machine

‘…labyrinthine oceans’ creative and daunting sound remains strangely addictive to behold…’

Stocks in labyrinthine oceans continue to go to the moon, with no end in sight. The four-piece that originally heralded from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne have now moved to London, and developed quite the cult following in the process. Compelling live performances, creative musicianship built around a grunge-gaze sound, and a clear focus on fostering a community has made labyrinthine oceans a favourite in the underground rock scene.

This month has seen the band not only undertake a nationwide headlining tour, but release the follow-up to last year’s searing debut EP, ‘everyone was alive’. With brand new bassist Laila Riley joining the line-up, the band have sculpted their latest project around the question of what it means to be human in a world replacing the soul for algorithms.

Already noted for their cinematic sound, ‘for the flesh and for the machine’ takes labyrinthine oceans to the next level of expansiveness. Leaning further into ambient and shoegaze soundscapes, the it is hard to comprehend that the resulting experience is made by four musicians still in the fresh beginnings of their music careers. The individual musical performances are indicative of great talent and musicianship, whilst the sum of these parts suggests that this is truly the comprehensive labyrinthine oceans line-up.

‘black silk’ and ‘a trap’ have long been staples of the band’s stirring live sets, and the electrifying immensity of these tracks has been preserved wonderfully on their studio recordings. ‘black silk’ is a particularly attention grabbing cut, as Julia O’Neil-Walton delivers surprisingly delicate, feathery vocals atop of an incredibly soulful guitar performance from Ellie Bunker.

It is the title track, however, that represents the real crowning achievement of this body of work. Pushing labyrinthine oceans to their heaviest depths yet, the track builds from a hypnotic, swirling introduction towards an utterly cataclysmic climax. O’Neil-Walton’s vocals take on a riotous aggression unlike anything seen from her before, crackling with ferocity against a backdrop of a monstrous breakdown. Percussion from Patrick Ilderton sounds almost apocalyptic in its immensity, crashing down about the listener like thunderclaps.

The chance that there is a grunge-gaze masterpiece of an album waiting to be produced by this band feels increasingly high with every release they unleash upon the world. labyrinthine oceans’ creative and daunting sound remains strangely addictive to behold, sucking you deep into their ethereal yet unsettling world and refusing to let you go. You will want to get to this party early.

RATING: 79/100

For Fans Of: Slowdive, TNL VZN, Loathe, Katarsis, NewDad

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // TikTok