Dark alt-pop/rock band from Florida, The Haunt have just released their newest EP, "Do Not Resuscitate". With industrial and cenematic themes, this project is aimed to make listeners feel empowered. Starting as a sibling duo, sister and brother Anastasia (lead vocals) and Max Haunt (vocals, guitar and production) have been making music together since a young age. Officially debuting their career in 2017 with their debut single, "All Went Back", they've since been joined by bassist Nat Smallish and drummer Nick Lewert. The Haunt has evolved and they have strengthened their sound to create their most recent era of music, "Do Not Resuscitate".
TRACKLIST
FML
Little Like Hell
I Don't Like The Quiet
Damage
Morally Incompetent
On My Grave
In 2018, The Haunt released their self-titled debut EP. Just one year later, they broke through with their fan favorite single, "Cigarettes & Feelings" gaining millions of streams. In the next few years, The Haunt would go on to release 4 more EP's, including a collaboration project with pop rock band Silos, titled "Gaslight" which was released earlier this year, and of course most recently, "Do Not Resuscitate". Let's dive into the 6 track collection and see what The Haunt has in store for us this time!
FML
Kicking off the EP with a strong one, we have "FML" which was released as the leading single in anticipation for this EP. This fiery track is about feeling stuck in an endless loop with someone that is toxic for you. It's that kind of relationship you know isn't good for you, but you can't get yourself to leave. The soundscape radiates anger and resentment; you can literally feel the aggressive nature especially during the heavy and distorted hook. Anastasia uses her voice to execute this intense emotion so well; despite the heaviness of the instrumentation, she doesn't let the music outshine her. Her powerful vocals are reminiscent of pop/rock goddess, Taylor Momsen, lead singer of The Pretty Reckless.
Little Like Hell
"Little Like Hell" was released as the second single for the EP, just one month after "FML". The story is a continuation of track one, comparing being in that toxic relationship to like being in hell. It's a torture cycle that never seems to end. Co-produced with Grammy nominated and multi-platinum producer and songwriter Kevin Thrasher, this song has more of a pop/punk style with electronic components on the vocals to take things to the next level. This is a jump around your room and dance like no one is watching type of song; especially if you need something to help you get your anger out. I also highly enjoyed the music video for this song, which features the entire band. It's nice to see the chemistry they have together as performers.
I Don't Like The Quiet
Track 3 is also single number 3, "I Don't Like The Quiet". Just on first listen, I immediately fell in love with this song. It has a nostalgic type of style and groove, like early 2000's pop/rock. It's a song that I would've had on repeat in my middle school emo phase. The song is about the suffering silence that comes with being alone. Whether you broke up or had a fight, there's someone out there who you wish would come home to you. Distractions just aren't enough to take away the yearning feeling. "I Don't Like The Quiet" is a duet and we get to hear Max's vocals throughout. I was so excited when I heard Max start singing, because he has such an addicting, smooth tone. Anastasia kills it in this song, showing off her impressively high range, vocal control and belting abilities. Anastasia and Max's voices blend together perfectly. One of my favorite parts is how the outro goes soft, so you can really feel the hurt behind the lyrics.
Damage
Next, we have "Damage" which is the fourth and final single that was released before the EP. The Haunt describes "Damage" as a "villain theme song". It's meant to make you feel strong and empowered; like you can do anything. Unbothered, Anastasia sings about how you can try to do your worst, but she can handle the damage. Out of all the songs on the EP, this song leans heaviest towards an electronic rock soundscape with heavy emphasis on synths. It has a beat that is undeniably catchy and a cenematic hook that'll get stuck in your head for days.
Morally Incompetent
As part of the EP release, The Haunt also released this brand new music video for track 5, "Morally Incompetent" at the same time. This high-energy, athematic song is for all the "outsiders" out there who don't play by societies rules. Featuring a stomp rhythm and a bad ass guitar solo riff, this song was made to be played live. I can already see a whole crowd getting into the beat and screaming the lyrics together. As the song goes on, it continues to build and only goes harder and crazier in the best way possible.
On My Grave
The final track, we end off on "On My Grave". So far, this is the only non-single song without a music video, but I'm sure there's hope for one in the future! "On My Grave" is a beautiful, haunting pop/rock break up song with lots of reverb and distortion. I would say this is the most emotional, sad song on the EP but that doesn't take away from the power and energy put into the soundscape. Anastasia wrote this song after her first serious breakup, emphasizing that there was a part of her that knew the person wasn't good for her, but she ended up falling for them anyway and go hurt in the end.
This EP takes The Haunt to a whole new level. They made it a point to establish this new sound with heavy rock and punk influence, but still keeping some alt-pop elements and even dabbling a bit in electronica. The relationship, dynamic and chemistry that the band has together really shines through in their sound. From complex lyrics to out-of-this world instrumentation, to breath-taking vocals to brilliant production, this EP has everything you could ever want or need as a pop/rock fan. Make sure to follow The Haunt below to keep up to date with them and see if they're coming to a city near you. They'll be in Europe as an opener for Missio in June!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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