EP review: Muttering – Don't Think About It

“Songs for the end of the world” is how London emo trio Muttering describe this debut EP, but despite the gloom of that message and much of the lyrical content that makes up the record, so too do this band offer something a little more hopeful. In the conviction and intelligence of Don’t Think About It, Muttering present themselves as a pessimistic yet talented band with something genuine to bring to the table.

Opener Swim sets out Muttering’s sombre, angsty and discerning viewpoint in confident fashion. ‘Everything’s going to change, I can feel it’ is the rallying cry from vocalist/bassist Chaz Bush, whose passionate performance leads the track to a thrilling climax. Beyond Belief similarly showcases the well-thought-out nature of Muttering’s music, as the combination of Chaz’s beguiling vocal delivery and the song’s dynamic shifts come together to create a sound that’s both comforting and engaging to hear.

Speaking of comforting sounds, interlude track Disquiet offers a softer dose of instrumental emotion that proves a fine mid-point to the record, as well as demonstrating the band's ability to capture one’s attention despite a lack of vocals or hooks. They further excel as Don’t Think About It draws to a close, with penultimate song Good Luck presenting plenty of diverse musical ideas, and final track Rattle Your Cage bringing things to a rumbling, emotionally-charged conclusion that does exactly what its title suggests.

Clocking-in at little over 15 minutes, Don’t Think About It is a brief yet thoroughly rewarding introduction to Muttering. Songs to soundtrack the apocalypse these may be, but such is the quality of the music on offer here, it’s advisable to get on this band well before Judgement Day. When the tunes are this good, overthinking is not required.

Verdict: 4/5

For Fans Of: Black Foxxes, Fatherson, Bellevue Days

Don’t Think About It is released April 9 via Failure By Design.

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