A trippy, alternative EP

Failure is an alternative rock staple, having existed in the ’90s and now releasing albums and EPs for fans both new and old. Their March release In The Future is a four-song EP that truly shines. In The Future is the first of a series of three EP’s, with the rest set to be released throughout 2018 along with a full-length compilation. It’s a great first installment, as it combines both their classic sound of the ’90s, along with more modern alternative rock styles. The album cover is worth noting itself, as it shows all four songs in the shape of a constellation. Failure is a group full of artistic talent and style, and In The Future is a great representation of it.

The first song on the EP, “Dark Speed,” definitely has a ’90s alternative rock style to it, and it’s a great way to start off the collection of songs. It also served as the single for the album, and though it may not be the strongest song, it definitely is a good representation of the EP as a whole. The lyrics are thought-provoking, referencing a state of being between awake and asleep: “When sleeping is a dream that you want to be given/ But awake and sort of deaf is what you’re actually living/ You’re caught inside a space with no way to leave/ You’re trapped inside a room with no air to breathe.” The somewhat psychedelic style of the song works well with the lyrics, creating a sense of confusion.

The next song on the EP is “Paralytic Flow,” another somewhat psychedelic song with a traditional alternative style. The vocals in the song work well with the music, and the guitar lick throughout provides a great rhythm for the vocals to work around. It’s another song that makes the listener feel somewhat disoriented, but the music realigns them in the song. The drumbeat towards the end of the song really brings it all together, making it one of the most artistically notable songs on the EP.

“Pennies” is a very unique song, and stands out from the other three songs on In The Future. It begins with acoustic guitar and soft vocals, showing the beautiful range of vocals that Ken Andrews has. As the song goes on, it develops, bringing in more instruments that somewhat obscure the vocals, but keep the soft dreamy vibe. The lyrics contain great imagery as well, as the lyrics are somewhat morbid, contrasting well with the soft sound of the song. “Pennies from a skyscraper can kill/ I’ve lined up my change/ On the window sill.” It’s a beautiful song, and one that is worth giving a listen to.

In The Future ends with the purely instrumental “Segue 10.” Despite the lack of lyrics, it wraps up the album well, throwing in elements that made each of the other songs shine. There are soft instrumentals, some experimental mixing, and a somewhat creepy feeling to it. “Segue 10” feels like a perfect bridge into the next EP in the set of four, leaving the listeners ready for more. In The Future is available for purchase now, along with the second EP in the four-part collection, Your Body Will Be.