Connecticut post-hardcore trio En Masse opens their new EP with a deep breath…followed by the piercing lyrics, “I feel like I’ve known nothing at all.” It’s subtle but that quick moment is the epitome of group’s latest project – precise and thoughtful balance.
For those who are new to En Masse, their goal is simple. They seek to write music reminiscent of what they want to listen to; specifically citing influences such as Glassjaw, Deftones, and Poison The Well. newviolenttrends, the four-song EP following their 2023 debut full-length, evolves their sound while not shying away tipping a cap to any of the post-hardcore greats they love.
Packed with expansive, at times delicate interludes that are equally matched with downright heavy moments, newviolenttrends takes the listener on a carefully crafted and urgent journey. This EP feels dense and impressive from the start and doesn’t seem to let go of its grip at all. I’m shocked that this is a trio because the mark this EP leaves is so full, so loud, and so impactful. They pull out all the stops on this and I struggled to find any moments where I felt like there could have be more.
My favorite aspect of newviolenttrends is how En Masse manages to string together a cohesive thread where no song feels out of place. It accomplishes what I think an EP should accomplish by giving the listener a very deliberate collection of specific themes (sonically and lyrically). This is even more impressive when considering the EP shifts from softer songs like “justthisonce” and “taketwo” into the heavier ones “masq” and “celine.” All this to say, while the songs may not all sound the same, they are all delivered with a similar tone – they feel like they live in the same world.
newviolenttrends is, above everything else, inviting – especially if you are a fan of the genre. I caught myself on what was probably my sixth listen when I thought, “I should probably write this thing.” It just begs for you to restart it and that, to me, is the mark of a perfect EP.
newviolenttrends is out everyone on June 20th. Listen to “taketwo” below:
The Indy Review 
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