Event Horizon EP - By Baltimore
ALBUM TITLE: Event Horizon
ARTIST: Baltimore
GENRE: Garage rock / Psychedelic / Indie
LISTEN HERE: Spotify
Baltimore, a psychedelic rock band from Belgium, is new on the horizon -- and it has got to be one of my favorite new music finds of the year. Released yesterday, April 14, 2017, Baltimore’s Event Horizon EP features six unique tracks, each one showcasing Baltimore’s signature sound: loud scuzzy guitars, smooth vocals, a powerful energy, and a dose of psychedelia. Catchy melodies and subdued vocals are constants throughout the EP, which helps to create a mesmerizing ambience that surrounds the listener.
What Event Horizon does best is blending a variety of vibrant melodies to create chromatic atmospheres throughout the music. In nearly every track, you are guaranteed to hear multiple guitar lines, blending together various riffs and chords into a build up of harmonic sound. The first track of the EP, “Glow Deep”, plays with dynamics brilliantly, layering on guitar, drums, vocals, and synths to a climactic chorus. The verses, however, take on a softer tone that isolates the vocals, as if inviting you to listen more closely. This quickly gives way to a cascade of sound in each chorus, alternating between anticipation and energetic release.
Though just six tracks, the EP boasts a diversity of style. “Out of Sight” brings a melodic riff that could be found in a song by The Growlers, while “Sunglasses” has a very ‘Beach Fossils’ inspired sound. Though Baltimore may emulate many of our favorite bands, perhaps why it is easily a new favorite, it still retains its own individuality. Each melody, though immediately attractive, is wholly unique. The reverberating vocals along with Baltimore’s distinctive energy help to establish their musical identity.
What Event Horizon is missing, however, is a strong bass line in the majority of their songs. Though ones like “I’ll Take Another One“ sound great on the surface, complete with charismatic choruses and well-defined vibrancy, they feel like they are missing the depth needed to complete the soundscape that the genre demands. Even in the EP’s exit, “Out of Sight”, it would have been perfect to hear the bass line brought out just a little more.
Baltimore, although fairly new, is definitely a band to watch out for in the future. The Event Horizon EP and its experimental sound was incredibly refreshing to hear, as good new music always is. I would recommend the Event Horizon EP to anyone who appreciates upcoming and innovative psychedelic music. Through catchy melodies and captivating vocals, the Event Horizon EP far from disappoints, making Baltimore one of the most enjoyable breakout bands I have had the pleasure of discovering this year.
Favorite tracks: Slow Down, Imaginary People
Listen to their EP below: