Cliffhanger
CLIFFHANGER RELEASES FEROCIOUS SELF-TITLED EP
Chicago-based pop-punk outfit Cliffhanger dropped their self-titled EP minutes ago, following on the heels of two previously released singles from the EP – “Hollowed Out” and “After Sunrise.”
Cliffhanger | Photo: Sasha Strahler
Talking about the new EP, vocalist Matt Meindl says, “As we wrote ‘Cliffhanger,’ the key themes were the internal and external battles which focus on the confrontations that arise while growing up, coping with loss, finding self-awareness, and contending with the present political landscape.”
Guitarist Mike Centracco adds, “We thought carefully on the message that we wanted to share on ‘Cliffhanger.’ Our message is important, but we wanted to ensure that it was being communicated properly. ‘Cliffhanger’ is captivating and bursts with melodious tunes that will keep reminding you to be yourself.”
Cliffhanger comprises Matt Meindl (vocals), Dan Rickert (guitar), Mike Centracco (guitar), Lou Pontillo (bass), and Mike Licari (drums). The band’s muscular, contagious sound secured them a spot on the Vans Warped Tour, along with performances at Subterranean and Beat Kitchen, as well as sharing the stage with Belmont, Keep Flying, We Were Sharks, and Light Years, among others.
Containing seven-tracks, the EP begins with “The Oaks,” featuring a blistering intro pulsating with searing growling guitars and Jovian drumming from Licari. The potent push of the tune conjures up memories of Offspring and Fall Out Boy, only with more ramming sonic force.
Cliffhanger serves up rowdy pop-punk rife with dense guitars, wicked rhythms, and delectable two-part vocal harmonies.
“Diane” takes on more luminous colors reminiscent of Jimmy Eats World. Meindl’s angst-laced tones give the lyrics tight resonance and wisps of brooding recollection.
“Imagine my life as a movie / Can’t way to find this way out this hole / Here comes reality where you call it madness / But I call it victory.”
“After Sunrise” surges with blazing guitars flowing into throbbing punchiness, riding hefty, brawny textures, as Licari sets the kit on fire with delicious breaks and fills, accenting the strapping bassline. This track hits with a wallop.
“Hollowed Out,” a personal fave, rumbles and thumps with educated regret about a lame relationship. Multi-part vocal harmonies infuse the lyrics with tantalizing dimensions.
“I can’t live in your book anymore / I’m drowning in the ink you spilled to write me out / This feeling has me falling to the floor / Trying to escape but I am going down.”
“Shakedown” travels on dark grinding colors buoyed up by a pummeling rhythm, as a scorching guitar injects singeing tones. “Forever Ago” delivers raw dirty guitars pumping out heaving ripples of oomph, as Meindl’s fret-filled tones imbue the lyrics with gut-wrenching skepticism.
Cliffhanger serves up rowdy pop-punk rife with dense guitars, wicked rhythms, and delectable two-part vocal harmonies. This band most def has it going on!
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