Cultgazer’s first EP contains five songs, two previously released singles and three new tracks. The combination of shoegaze, dream pop, and rock is tense and addictive. Prototye is familiar but also something new. The band already has a signature sound that lifts them out of the fog among other bands.
“Birdcage” is a generally standard shoegaze track. The dual male and female vocals lift the song by using opposing melodies in a simple but effective way. The melodies have a slightly more hopeful tone instead of pulling you to a dark swirling mass. Cultgazer surrounds you with sound and pushes you forward.
Song two is their second single, “Ed.” The extended intro gives the song an eerie introduction, opening up to another wide audio range. And the female vocals have a bigger presence here, guiding the song on a different path from “Birdcage.” The composition creates chapters with the verses and keeps the song interesting.
“nurf” takes a different angle with an electronic and synth base. It’s almost like a shoegaze track translated through an electronic filter while also mixing some emo themes. It sounds like it’s meant to split the EP while also showcasing a different tone within the band’s style.
The first song from Cultgazer, “mido,” takes the fourth spot. What I said in Short Stuff 41 still applies: ” It’s the perfect intersection of shoegaze, dream pop, and rock. Each verse is so precise, switching from female to male vocals along with the casual guitar distortion that adds to the weight of each beat.”
The final song on Prototype is a customary shoegaze and post rock song. The long opening verses to the first expansion verse and a long growing melody that rises and falls. “Pigon” is an excellent closer to these 21 minutes of music.
Prototye is an excellent set of songs. It’s also the perfect introduction for Cultgazer. There’s a full conversation here that shows off the band and their ability to create amazing music.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.
