Dead Lakes from Seattle, Washington release their new EP, “New Language”. The guys have taken a trip away from their more traditional post-hardcore roots to explore the space of a genre blend of high energy rock, post-hardcore, passionate vocals, and electronic flourishes. The band worked with Erik Ron for the production of this EP, Erik has worked with artists such as Dance Gavin Dance, Set It Off, and Godsmack.

This 5 track EP kicks off with “Close 2 Me” which is a solid choice for the opening track. Starting out with some heavy drums and guitars blending into a smooth lighter vocal entrance by frontman Sumner Peterson. The track sets the tone for the rest of the EP both musically and lyrically.

“Paradise” is a powerful track about trying to get out of the depths of anxiety and self doubt. Sumner sings of asking for reassurance that things aren’t coming to an end. It’s a strong song about the mental battles that exist and how those feel to many people who struggle with them. The song features powerful emotionally driven vocals, that will hook listeners into the same headspace. The video features some scenes in shades of gray, and others splash in with brighter and vibrant colors. This represents how things can feel with anxiety, self doubt, and depression. There are times where everything has a gray overlay and other times where the world is bright and colors are vibrant.

A unique track is “SMS Happiness”, this song addresses the way that while many people who are struggling with mental health will put up a smiling bright front on the outside so that to those around them everything appears fine. This track I feel is the standout track on the EP. Using elements from several genre’s and sounds it really shows the band’s versatility and creative range. Also the video plays to the message of the song perfectly, with bright neon lights, and dark vocals the contrast is outstanding.

Perhaps the heaviest lyrics on the EP come in “Nogodsnomasters”. These lyrics are heavy in the sense of being some of the darkest lines on the record. You can feel the struggle that Sumner is going through in this song. You get the feeling he had a need, a desire for something more while writing this track. A feeling of abandonment, and keeping your head just above water seems to be the prevalent message through the song.

Ending the EP is the title track “New Language”. The track has an upswing on most of the lyrics, giving a feeling of redemption. This track as the closer seems like a natural choice as lyrically it feels like the light at the end of a tunnel, and tells a story of pushing forward through the darkness and finally getting out into a more positive place.

Overall this EP is a true showcase of growth, through their music, lyrics, and personal mental health. I think this album is going to resonate with previous fans as well as bring in fans from other genres. The energy within this EP is going to translate to live shows very well once those are able to begin again, and we are excited for that to happen so we can catch this show. Be sure to check out Dead Lakes wherever you stream or purchase music. And follow their social media’s below.

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