ThisIsTheMusic

The Strifes are Taylor Hopper and Kai Croissant Callum Reilly and Adam Cooper, based in Southampton, the band formed in 2020 and have gone from strength. They’ve supported Jon McClure (Reverend And The Makers), Little Man Tate and Shambolics, released 6 singles, earning rave reviews for their scintillating live shows, including their debut headline show, which has enabled them to build up a loyal and ever growing fan base.

The debut EP features 5 tracks, including 3 previous single and 2 previously unreleased tracks. Here’s the ThisIsTheMusic track by track preview.

Poster Boy is an electrifying track and an excellent choice as the EP’s opening track and is a real statement of intent. It has an infectious energy that’s driven by the catchy guitar riffs and tight rhythm section that form the backbone of the sound, reminiscent of early Arctic Monkeys with a gritty edge. The chorus is anthemic, with a real singalong quality. It’s easy to see why people are bouncing around to this track when it’s played live.

The Situation hits with a brash, unapologetic swagger that embodies the tension of modern life. From the opening riff, the song builds momentum with relentless intensity, driven by sharp guitar work and a pulsating bassline. The rhythm section locks in tight, creating a propulsive backdrop for the band’s explosive sound. The vocals are melodic and deliver the songs lyrics with a real conviction that are utterly captivating. The chorus is another huge singalong and addictive. There’s a real swagger about the track.

These Four Walls opens up with a chiming guitar riff and punchy drumbeats which provide a stomping and intense soundscape with emotionally charged vocals. Lyrically the track captures the tension of become frustrated with life and trying to break free of emotional barriers.

“This EP is a collection of songs that had been written over the past four or five years but really came together and began to take shape last year. To finally be in a position where we can release it is an incredible feeling”.

The Strifes on ATKTYOY

Something New evokes memories of early noughties indie rock scene with it’s unmistakeable indie-punk energy. There’s a newfound depth in the arrangement and instrumentation, with well-placed guitar flourishes and rhythmic shifts that add dimension to the song. Lyrically, “Something New” plays on themes of reinvention and the desire for change “you change your mind, like a man changes his clothes”. The chorus is catchy and uplifting, with an almost anthemic quality that feels like it could easily become a crowd favorite at live gigs. It’s got a singalong charm to it, with lines that stick with you long after the song has finished.

Keep It Going sees the pace drop from the explosive indie rock anthems that feature on the debut EP. It’s a real dynamic track that blends energy and resilience and highlights the bands happy knack of combining infectious indie rock anthems with empowering messages. The verses are a combination of chiming acoustic guitars and emotive vocals, before the pace builds in the bridge and develops into an explosive anthemic singalong with the message of perseverance and pushing through even in difficult times.

Anthems That Killed The Youth Of Yesterday is a highly impressive collection of songs, that are both heavy hitting and uplifting, offering a voice of positivity even when times seem tough. ATKTYOY is a fantastic EP, packed full of emotion and shows the potential that undeniably exists within the band. The EP feels like the start of something exciting and in my view it’s easy to see them opening up plenty of doors and carving out their place as one of the most exciting, emerging indie bands.

ATKTYOY is out now on all streaming platforms

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