máu - Anthesis

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 15 Nov 2024

Tracklist:

1. Sunder

2. Disheartening

3. Internalized

4. Restrain

New Californian screamo quartet máu released their debut EP Anthesis last November and it was released pressed on 10" vinyl through Zegema Beach Records. This physical release was so eagerly anticipated that it's already sold out! The band spent loads of time honing their sound live, playing with the likes of Loma Prieta, State Faults (and many others) before even releasing any music online. In July, they're supporting Beau Navire! Is it too hyperbolic to call this the new golden age of screamo?

máu don’t just play typical screamo, as their sound is an amalgamation of emoviolence, metallic hardcore and even subtle blackened tones on EP opener ‘Sunder’. The vocals are frenetic, as is the percussion. The guitars are where the majority of their melody comes from and they’re absolutely spot on, without being too melodic or clean sounding.

By now, we’re used to either pensive/atmospheric or furious openers and to be honest ‘Sunder’ sits in between. ‘Disheartening’’; however, is a lot more violent in it’s delivery early on, before máu treats us to some more post-hardcore/almost metalcore layers, which slow the tempo down somewhat. 

We’re currently at the back end of a heatwave, which is still pretty rare for the UK, so it’s very humid. The intensity of Anthesis does nothing to clear the air as ‘Internalized’ leads into the EP’s latter half in superfluous fashion. The layered instrumentation really hits the spot, as the vocals are used sparingly but powerfully at the same time.

The feedback that closes out ‘Internalized’ leads straight into the final track ‘Restrain’. At the same time, the sky around me goes really dark (as if it’s in tune with what I’m listening too!). I said earlier on in this review that I think we’re in another golden age of screamo and I stand by that as máu take us from abject heaviness to gentle emo and slowly back again.

Four epic songs delivered in just over ten minutes from a band that’s full of talent. I’ll admit that sleeping on the physical 10” release hurts (but it was my own fault). máu leave an instant impression musically with this EP. Keep your eyes peeled for more, hopefully…

You can stream and purchase Anthesis digitally from máu below:-

máu Instagram - @mau_band

Zegema Beach Records - https://bsky.app/profile/zegemabeachrecords.bsky.social