Würzburg’s Coma Beach is back with a vengeance, unleashing a potent sonic cocktail of frustration, regret, and the desperate search for lost passion in their new EP, “I Won’t Listen.” This four-track offering, culled from their album “The Scapegoat’s Agony,” wastes no time in throwing us into the mosh pit of the band’s signature sound – a potent mix of punk rock aggression and alternative introspection
The title track, “I Won’t Listen” explodes right out of the gate. B. Kafka’s vocals ooze apathy, dripping with disdain for a world perceived as monotonous and preachy. Distorted guitars simmer beneath his world-weary drawl, mirroring the protagonist’s growing resentment. Then, around the 1:30 mark, the song erupts. Drums pound, guitars snarl, and Kafka’s voice transform into a venomous snarl, spitting lyrics like “Speak to me / And I won’t listen” with a fury that’s both terrifying and oddly empowering. It’s a raw, unpolished performance, perfectly capturing the frustration of a generation drowning in the white noise of expectation.
The mood shifts with “The Past Of The Future,” a hauntingly beautiful exploration of regret. Scorching guitars writhe like “a threat carved in stone,” while Kafka’s raw, desperate vocals paint a picture of being stalked by a vengeful past. The relentless drumming mirrors the protagonist’s internal struggle, trapped “in a room of glass” with their mistakes. While the song threatens with a “sharp little knife,” it’s the emotional torment, the “internal quality,” that’s truly terrifying. “The Past Of The Future” is a visceral reminder that sometimes the greatest demons reside within.
Coma Beach showcases a more introspective side with “Passion.” A melancholic soundscape sets the stage for the narrator’s internal journey. A groovy bassline snakes its way through the verses, mirroring the protagonist’s repressed routine. Kafka’s vocals are raw and world-weary, painting a picture of a fragmented world reflected in “a window / Which consists of fragments.” The song builds to a desperate plea in the chorus, “Where is my passion / I once had?” B. Kafka’s voice cracks with frustration as the song explodes at the 2:33 mark, a searing guitar solo mirroring the narrator’s inner turmoil. The final, extended cry of “Where is my passion?” is both heartbreaking and hopeful, a testament to the human spirit that fights to reclaim its lost fire.
The EP closes with the aptly titled “Another Song.” Deceptive calmness quickly gives way to a cynical tirade. Kafka’s nonchalant delivery masks a deeper cynicism as he lists life’s disappointments. The song explodes into a furious assault on the hollowness of existence. Driving guitars and a relentless beat mirror the protagonist’s growing rage, while the sardonic “Congratulations” is a bitter counterpoint to the bleak imagery. This isn’t a song for comfort, but a cathartic scream into the void, leaving the listener both exhilarated and unsettled.
Coma Beach’s return with “I Won’t Listen” is a welcome one. This EP is a powerful exploration of the darker corners of the human experience, delivered with raw emotion and impressive musicianship. From the frustration of “I Won’t Listen” to the introspective despair of “Passion,” Coma Beach doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths. If you’re looking for music that punches you in the gut and leaves you wanting more, look no further than “I Won’t Listen.
Listen to the “I Won’t Listen” EP by Coma Beach on Spotify and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Coma Beach here for more information.
PS: The artist was discovered on MusoSoup, and a contribution was made to publish this.
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