A lively comeback that breaks hardcore's glass ceiling...
03 · 04 · 2025
Isn’t it great that the sun's shining? Has anyone else realized how much vitamin D they've been missing? The world may be in chaos, but at least we can confront it with a bit more serotonin flowing through us. This upbeat track from Scowl will contribute to lifting your newly found spring/summer spirit. Hailing from the aptly sunny Santa Cruz, California, this five-member hardcore group has surfed the remarkable wave of interest that has surged across the scene over the past five or more years. Guided by a unique and vibrant aesthetic along with the incredible frontwoman Kat Moss, the band has pushed against the genre's limits and threatened to unveil its fragile glass structure.
Since the release of their wild and fun 2021 debut album ‘How Flowers Grow’, Scowl has been exploring new sounds. The 2023 EP ‘Psychic Dance Routine’ introduced a shift influenced by pop-punk and grunge, featuring less harsh riffs and Moss’ effortlessly cool clean vocals. Their latest full-length ‘Are We All Angels’ (they continue to come up with fantastic titles) reinforces this evolution. These 11 tracks are thoroughly melodic, drawing on the soulful pop-punk of Descendents and the anthemic grunge of Hole rather than any of Scowl's hardcore contemporaries. While Moss’ fierce scream makes some notable appearances, like in ‘B.A.B.E’ and the titular closing track, the emphasis here is on a graceful sense of rock harmony that emerges through various but cohesive songwriting styles.
Tracks such as ‘Special’ and ‘Not Hell, Not Heaven’ present a thoughtful and mature interpretation of pop-punk. These upbeat songs will inspire you to skate, hit the beach, and enjoy drinks in the park. The soul that flows from Moss’ impressively controlled vocals and sharp lyrics (“and my voice/it shakes, it burns/it licks the lips of doubt and finds you on your knees”) is packed with emotion and often strikes hard. Additionally, there are several tracks that evoke grunge and gentle noise rock, including the Gouge Away-like riffs of ‘Fantasy’ and ‘Fleshed Out’ with L7-inspired tones and vocals. There’s also a fun, engaging style employed in ‘Tonight (I’m Afraid)’ that recurs throughout; the use of simple, back-and-forth guitar and bass riffs will have UK audiences chanting them back to the band like they’re at a football game.
This is the type of album that transcends any intellectual ideas you might have about music, diving straight into your body and soul. It evokes a sense of joyful euphoria that will leave you feeling revitalized, alive, emotionally fulfilled, and just a little happier with life. In simple terms, Scowl’s vibrant and charming second album ascends like the radiant beings referred to in its title.
8/10
Words: Tom Morgan
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