Anyone following this blog in recent times will know my love for Australian/Canadian rockers fxrrvst (pronounced “forest”). Now they’re back on these pages with their latest EP, Constable Hotel.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Aleks Forrest

The Toronto, Canada-based duo were on a four year hiatus before coming back in 2024. We’ve shared three tracks from the EP onto these pages already, but it’s great to finally hear them as a complete collection, alongside a brand new song, Nightmare Dreaming.

The EP is a collection that dwells on juxtaposition, with Nightmare Dreaming being a perfect case in point. Soft vocals contrast with the darkness of the lyrics.

The new track is the final leg of the four-track EP, giving us a finale that’s full of emotion and vulnerability. Holly’s vocals simply shine during a stripped-back first verse that’s full of heartache and storytelling. As the track goes on, the instrumental ramps up, as does the feelings, before things arrive at a questioning crescendo.

It’s preceded by cantering emo rock, blistering, passionate folk, and defiant political rock respectively through previously released singles, Lavender, CBAYAOM, and Hate Has No Home Here. Lavender introduces things with a driving rock arrangement and visceral lyrics. CBAYAOM dwells on heartbreak while Hate Has No Home Here is an anthem for unity with a huge chorus.

2024 has been a comeback year for fxrrvst and I’m certainly glad to have had the chance to discover their music. It’ll be very interesting to see how they build on this EP. They have an authentic, emotional sound that is simply a joy to listen to. With 1.5 million streams on Spotify, radio play across the world, and award nominations for their music, I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so.

Constable Hotel is out now and you can give it a listen below.