Album/EP

Necronata - The MEAT (EP Review)

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

/10

Mar 23, 2021

7 min read

Necronata - The MEAT EP
Released: March 25, 2021

Necronata is:

Brendan Brendkins // vocals, programming, instrumentalist

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If you're yet to come across Sydney musician Brendan Brendkins or his musical alter-ego Necronata, you're in for a wild ride. Jump in your delorean out back, strap in and let's go back to 2006 when emo prevailed.

The MEAT begins with 'Diabolical' which kicks off with some synthey electronica rhythms and a groovy pop bassline. Brendkins' vocals are giving me life with a similar range to Panic! At the Disco's Brendan Urie, it's quite uncanny to be honest. Almost like what Cobra Starship nailed with Viva La Cobra, 'Diabolical' is the partystarter anthem and I don't know about you, but I feel like I've just entered the room of a crossover emo/The Great Gatsby-inspired party. It is absolutely a good time. (Hope the team at AM//PM are getting ideas for their next event).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0_D8_lMaWc

'Cirque Du Freak' continues the vibe here with its groovy rhythms and slightly chuggy guitars creating a punk/pop ambience that'll transcend you back to sweaty dancefloors (Hello Bang! and Hot Damn!). The song turns quite eerie and dark midway, with special guest Le Vide adding in a filthy scream to the mix. I particularly love how Brendkins' vocals has turned a darker, moodier tone, which contrasts perfectly against Le Vide's screams, giving 'Cirque Du Freak' that layered effect of a grungey, underground emo pop filler.

'Obsessions' turns the dial back up to party mode and will most certainly have you reaching for your Vans/Converse and eyeliner out of that dust-filled corner. With catchy hooks and chunky guitar riffs akin to that of a Fall Out Boy song, I found myself enjoying this most as it gives off that fun, carefree feeling. I particularly love the fusion of keys and tasty guitars here as it adds a nuanced heavy element to electro emo — can we make this a thing in 2021?

'Panda Eyes' is the definitive soundtrack to your heart, and acts as the main event of the EP by far. This is the anthem that'll get all those single hearts to the dancefloor as soon as the first key drops with that pulsating, siren noise acting like the Bat Signal. That rhythmic, electronic dance beat will have your heart beating faster than Panic! At The Disco did when they released A Fever You Can't Sweat Out in 2006.

'Crimson' is the underdog of the EP and perhaps leaves us with a feeling of excitement for what's to come from Necronata. It's quite a different sound to the rest of the EP, the guitar elements are taking centre stage here, creating an almost metalcore style to round out this hella impressive debut. It's as if he's giving us an interlude/pre-show to the next party he's probably devising up next. It's dark, eerie and kinda leaves you hanging for what's to come.

It's no lie that pop punk and emo is coming back in bigger waves this year. Alongside the resurgence of acts like 3OH!3, Necronata's at the forefront of new talent about to sweep the scene with nostalgia. Filled with catchy emo-pop anthems combined with the edginess of metalcore and hardcore, The MEAT acts like the gateway drug to the scene in 2021. You know how they're all talking about that whole swinging 20s thing making a comeback once COVID restrictions have completely eased and we're all vaccinated? Yeah, it's possible they were referring to the live emo spectacular that's surely going to be announced by Necronata anytime soon. Hope we get an invite.