Single Review: Esta Coda – King Bitter EP

Hailing from Northeast Pennsylvania’s DIY scene that birthed The Menzingers, Tigers Jaw and Title Fight; Esta Coda joins their crew with their latest EP, King Bitter, that was recorded at the legendary Studio 4 and produced by legendary producer Will Yip. King Bitter is an EP that represents an evolution from the band’s earlier sound while also maintaining the organic unity the band had since its inception. The King Bitter EP is now available on digital platforms via Memory Music.

Breathe is the laid back, yet deceptively energetic, opener, this is followed up by Something New, a track that up’s the ante but manages to maintain the balance between power and melody. The EP’s title track is my personal highlight from King Bitter, there’s a slightly rawer approach but despite the higher energy level they maintain the melancholy feel that pervades their latest release. Finally On My Own rounds out the quartet of tracks, one that sees Esta Coda deliver a finale that continues to build on the impetus that has been built up across the King Bitter EP.

Esta Coda channel the same harmony led style as Grandaddy and Jimmy Eat World, but they do this with a bit more energy than the former and more laid back approach than the latter. King Bitter is an EP that treads a fine line between melodic indie and pop punk and it manages to straddle the two genres without favouring either. They keep the energy levels up but with lush harmonies and an emphathis on melody, an approach that gives Esta Coda a perfect cross genre appeal. Esta Coda will also be kicking off the new year when they open for Anti-Flag at Scranton’s Stage West on the 17th January.

Esta Coda can be found on Facebook here and Twitter here

King Bitter can be streamed via Spotify here