On their first EP with PNWK records, Potionseller makes a valiant effort to create something original. The four songs contain a few specs of gold, but they mostly follow a predictable track.
Their opening track, “Faster,” doesn’t get the speed memo. It’s a slower, more melodic track with an occasional whammy bar. The chorus follows that same pattern with little twists and dissolves into pure riffs. The tracks aren’t very innovative, following a similar format, plus a guitar solo to try to build some excitement. It’s akin to Wallows if they had more grit and pushed their BPM up slightly.
The rest of the EP is a lot faster than its opening track, like “One More Photo,” which does a good job of evoking a nostalgic feeling with romantic lyrics about enjoying the moment and making memories before time runs out. There are a couple of fun riffs along the journey, but it’s mostly just consistently similar.
While the rest of the record is pretty plain, their latest single and best song, “Monarch’s Club,” feeds into the new Hawthorne Heights and Yellowcard vibe from the last few years. It’s very modern punk with an artistic edge. It’s brash and beautiful in its instrumentalism. Vocal strength and volume become a large part of the track, to the band’s benefit.
The slight screaming touches add depth, and the second verse bass discovery catches the listener’s ear. Its lyrics about earned consequences and the disappointment of life speak the truth. The bridge starts plainly, but luckily an emotional discharge before the final chorus helps save the track once again.
Overall, the band still has room to grow and the ability to build a good foundation with this addition to their catalog, but adding some depth and variety would definitely help up the ante.
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