Out today from Irish band neptune blood, debut EP A Quiet Riot Inside fuses early ’00s indie-rock immediacy with atmospheric, psychedelic intrigue. The Limerick City-based quartet worked on the EP with producer Ben Wanders (Kneecap, The Scratch, Kingfishr), and thoroughly succeed with a sound that’s ample on both hooks and nuanced soundscapes — spanning from subdued bass-heavy thumps to charismatic brass-tinged rock.
“Midnight Showing” commences the EP with enjoyable tonal dynamics, traversing seamlessly from fervent guitars and panting percussion into a moodier bass-forward bounce. There, hazy vocals traverse with hypnotic immersion, bolstered gradually by subtle organs and a twanging guitar entry. A riveting title-touting hook emerges around the two-minute mark, sending chills as the vocals move from debonair appeal to more expressive invigoration. One final satiating lift-off then takes hold, as budding strings culminate gorgeously into a thrashing rock-ready send-off.
The ensuing “Best Laid Plans” achieves a timeless-sounding rock cohesion, with a jumpy guitar catchiness aligning with warming organs as vocals declare a “quiet riot inside, rising up” — once again bolstered by a bass-heavy engrossment that expands with artful passion into atmospheric rock beauty as the title-referencing chorus shines. The shifts between sludgy, suave verses and cathartic passion are continuously impressive.
“In Calico” is another standout, embracing a whirring rock energy that’s uplifted especially by triumphant mid-point brass incorporations. EP closer “Huge If True” makes the album’s songwriting success rate a solid 4-for-4, here swelling from submerged pit-patter and guitar twangs into a storm-arriving burst of brass, soaring guitars, and enthused vocals. Harmonious “leave behind humankind” vocal layers are impactful, as well, into its memorable finale. A Quiet Riot Inside is a thrilling success of a debut from neptune blood.
