Hormones

“Erratic” is a good word to describe Hormones’ newly released EP, Look Out Below. The interesting thing about the record, however, is in the way the songs bounce from one style to another yet remain cohesive. The result is a melting pot of influences—all of which are rooted in some style of rock and roll.

Mostly, though, Look Out Below is a garage-punk record, but there are moments when the band slows the pace of the songs, turning the fast riffs into slow-grinding alt-rock pieces. The record’s second track, “Watch Your Mouth,” is reminiscent of Melancholy And The Infinite Sadness-era Smashing Pumpkins, and (thanks to the distorted low end of bassist Beard) even a few of Muse’s more pummeling tracks.

The album’s most delicate song, “Migraine,” has a slow minor-chord groove that tips the hat to the mellower side of the Pixies. However, it isn’t long before the Hormones return to the breakneck speed and blistering riffs that make up the majority of the record.

But while the riffs are heavy, the hooks are light. Perhaps Look Out Below would be more memorable if there were more moments like the chorus of “Watch Your Mouth.” Still, it’s a promising debut EP.