Premiere: Glossing Offer Thrilling Post-Hardcore Rapture On Self-Titled EP
Compelling and dazzling, the sound of five-piece rock group Glossing is one that’s bound to astound listeners in the best way. On their debut EP, out this Friday via Fisher King Records, the band offers three sensational songs that point to a deep musical impact that will reverberate strongly throughout the local music scene. Formed by musicians from celebrated groups Birds For Eyes, Broke Royals, Shy, Low, Armagideon Time, Rough Age, and more, Glossing builds upon its pedigree to deliver an extravagant sound that could win over fans of any rock genre. Each song features a blend of raw emotion and sly musical prowess, delivering a listening experience that will resonate long after the final emotive note fades away. Today, The Auricular is premiering this impressive EP, with an exclusive stream you can listen to below a day before the album is released to streaming platforms and the band descends upon The Get Tight Lounge for a record release show.
While Glossing seems content with a description of “shoegaze/noise/post-whatever,” listeners may find themselves fixating on capturing the exact sonic impression the band makes. Too nuanced to be emo, too clear to be shoegaze, and too dulcet to be noise, post-hardcore seems to be the last genre standing. That genre could fit considering the rich atmospherics and complex expression, but really, the best description is just “thrilling alternative,” music that can score bursting excitement and bitter anguish at the same time through their dynamic skill that will leave most listeners absolutely floored after just one song.
Case Graham’s soaring voice points in the direction of several beloved alternative singers from Ritzy Bryan all the way up to Haley Williams, though the reality is that she stands separate from them all, crafting a style that relaxes the elastic power of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, refines the poised noise direction of Mish Barber-Way, and sharpens the resonance of Hope Sandoval. Through this amalgamation of influences, she creates a sonic signature that is truly her own, weaving together elements that resonate with both familiarity and innovation. The guitar work of Graham, James Hoffer, and Tamir Gore is especially deft as they create gauzy walls of sound that are shockingly detailed for the style, allowing each forceful strum and piercing distortion to ring clear and direct in order to spotlight each shade of emotion within the music. Underneath it all is a commanding rhythm section — comprised of bassist Zak Bryant and drummer Sage Maxwell — that is technically savvy in its use of pauses and hesitations that allow lingering lyrics and riffs to resonate even deeper. With each musician bringing an extensive musical resume to the table, the sound of the band was sure to be strong and resolute, but with so much gumption and eagerness at play, it’s a wonder if the band itself was even aware of how grand this three-song EP would end up becoming.
The EP opens with “Potential,” a raucous and immersive track that showcases the band’s creativity and ingenuity. It sets the stage for an emotional journey, with Graham’s evocative vocals detailing a high-stakes plight, while the instruments create sweeping tones that underscore the weight of the narrative. The towering “I Don’t Need You” follows, further demonstrating Glossing’s astonishing sound. It envelops the listener with immersive instruments that construct a vivid soundscape of bitter truths and startling revelations, navigating through the weight of an unmade decision. It’s a brilliant and unforgettable track that sets a high mark for the band, hinting at even greater potential in their future recordings. From there, the EP culminates with “All That Life Is,” a single originally released in the summer of 2022. It closes the EP with ruminating beauty, employing subtle tension through sparse instrumentation that gradually opens up into a blossoming expression of yearning and regret.
In all, Glossing’s debut EP provides a captivating listening experience, one that will leave fans with plenty to dissect and relish while also pining for more from the dynamic band. While each member has several remarkable records under their belt through all their various projects, they would each be hard-pressed to point to anything in their catalog that matches the staggering artistry, depth, and resonance of this fantastic three-song record. And don’t forget. This is only the beginning.
Glossing comes out Friday, July 14th on all streaming platforms, as well as cassette tapes and CDs released through Fisher King Records. A vinyl release will be announced shortly.
Glossing is celebrating the release of their EP the evening of Friday, July 14th alongside Hubris and kristeva at Get Tight Lounge. Tickets are $10 in advance / $12 the day of the show with the doors opening at 7:30 PM. Click here for tickets or check out the show flyer below.
