Hailing from America’s Northwest, Brood22 is a Portland-based act who has just hit our radar through their melancholic new EP.

By Graeme Smith

Dealing with themes of spiralling self-isolation and cyclical behaviour, Brood22’s new EP, just past the exit with the truck stop, opens in eerie fashion with the percussive hedonismbot. When the vocals come in, they are understated, carrying an Elliot Smith-esque quality during an immersive first chapter that finishes big.

Melancholy runs right through the EP, in languid moments like this again and the lullaby bottle of sleep. It might be too much for some, but I’ve always found beauty in such raw expressions of emotion. Brood22 suits the sound well by not doing too much with their vocals and giving us plenty of texture on the instrumental.

There are brighter moments too. Genderless fuck monster carries a certain whimsy while funnel web ends the EP with some rock bite. It’s a final highlight.

Across the EP, Brood22 tackles their Southern Arizona roots, and chronicles a journey of self-identity and cutting ties with toxic influences and habits. It’s the vulnerability of the record’s story that makes it relatable and attention grabbing.

Just past the exit with the truck stop is out now and you can give it a listen below.