headcage - ‘under my skin’ review
headcage
October 2023 seems to be THE month to drop a debut EP. Newcastle-based quartet headcage step up to the plate with their debut effort under my skin. This EP dropped via self-release on 20 October, here's what we thought:
headcage put their best foot forward with 'nothing', which was released as a single back in March. The opening track starts with a very refreshing riff and some intriguing vocals. Work from Leyum Pattinson makes for a sound very reminiscent of Three Days Grace. It makes for a very on-brand start to the EP, given their motivation draws from 2000's bands like Fightstar. Some great harsh vocals almost interrupt the track, but show a nice range for the group. The band lauded 'nothing' on release as “the sound they'd been looking for” and to their credit, they nailed it.
Sophomore track 'gaslight' continues the trend of melodic alt-rock with a personal edge. The track serves to vent emotional frustrations, primarily from Leyum Pattinson's youth. 'gaslight' dropped as the lead single in September alongside a music video. For a band that has a decidedly “cool” aesthetic, it’s a fun touch to drop a video with borderline Inbetweeners levels of slapstick. For any interested, 'gaslight' has fuzzy handcuffs, rubber chicken, and a crazed lifeguard.
The final single of the EP 'false gold' is definitely a departure into a much heavier territory. Again, there are obvious elements of 2000's rock, but more to the effect of Breaking Benjamin here. Several changes in tempo, a huge riff, and some voice modulation make this the most intriguing track of the bunch. headcage seem at their strongest when tangling with heavier material or experimenting. Between this and the harsh vocals in 'nothing' there's a chance to have the best of both styles in future EP's.
under my skin ends on a track of the same name and again, a change in direction somewhat. Flagged as their “most raw and transparent work to date” by the band, that's communicated very well. It used some much softer work at the outset from Adam Murphy as well as guest vocals from Lydia Hayman. It borders on Bring Me The Horizon levels of an unexpected left turn into using softer material. This was the personal highlight of the EP.
headcage is in an interesting position after the release of under my skin. This group played their debut show less than 18 months ago, and has a lineup of shows coming up that many would envy. They have twice as much output available on streaming outlets, and a lot of directions in their reach. We'll be keeping our ear to the ground to see what they do next.
under my skin from headcage is out now and available on all good streaming platforms. Catch the final date of their EP release tour 2 November in London and supporting Flatline on 11 November.