Single Review: Energy – Under The Mask EP

Boston’s Energy will be releasing the Under The Mask EP on the 21st July ahead of their headlining UK tour that kicks of in Manchester on the 29th July, their latest release follows on from last years Apparition Sound album and their new material proves that even after over a decade together they are still moving forwards. The new record features five tracks of signature Energy punk rock that intertwines the sombre melancholy melodies, introspective lyrics and infectiously poppy hooks, creating a record that will demand, and deserves, repeat listens.

Under The Mask begins in ominous style with the creepy introduction to the lead single from the EP, The Witching Hour, before it launches into the finest slab of horror punk you’ll hear this year, the superb opening track is followed by the comparatively downbeat title track that keeps the eerie mood going, The Shape Retreats forms a brief atmospheric bridge before Under The Mask kicks straight back into life with A Prayer For Rain that brings a more straight up melodic punk element into the mix. I Killed Your Boyfriend veers into Masked Intruder‘s criminal territory, so much so that we now have another suspect for that band’s identity, and finally Leave Me Alone ends what has been a near perfect EP in fine style.

The Under The Mask EP represents a perfect blend of the styles of The Misfits, Masked Intruder and AFI that’s delivered in an accessible and perfect five track package that is amongst the very best releases I’ve encountered in 2017, the mix of pop and horror punk is perfectly pitched, settling in neither camp yet embracing both, and delivered in Energy‘s own unique style. Based on the Under The Mask EP, and their debut UK appearance on the Creeper tour that I encountered earlier this year, I can’t wait to catch Energy live again, happily I don’t have long to wait and a live review of their forthcoming UK tour will follow on The Punk Site shortly.

Energy‘s website is located here and their Bandcamp is here