REVIEW: Skullcrusher’s subdued EP “Storm in Summer” Blends 90s Britpop with folk

When you find an artist called Skullcrusher, you probably envision a group of guys all dressed in black standing in a field in Finland. Oh, and you might imagine the band’s name in some indecipherable font limited only to metal bands. However, sometimes expectations and reality don’t always meet. That is definitely the case with Storm in Summer, the new EP from Skullcrusher.

The EP begins with “Windshield,” a song that couldn’t possibly be farther from metal. The melody begins with a guitar sound that is so muted, you can hear the fingers move on the fretboard. It builds into layers of sound that are topped with Ballentine’s pretty vocals.

“Steps” is another interesting song. At the beginning, you can hear the distinct sound of a bird, almost as if the song was recorded outside. This song features the banjo but doesn’t really have any country sound to it. This song feels like it would be perfect for the Juno soundtrack.

These five songs are interesting because, on the one hand, they have a 90s Britpop vibe similar to The Sundays. You can hear it in the mellow melodies and the guitar tone. Ballentine’s vocals are similarly breathy, but don’t otherwise sound like Harriet Wheeler. Her pretty vocals are perfectly suited for afternoons at a coffee shop. At the same time, the melodies were crafted with layers of sound that have a depth that goes beyond simple strumming on an acoustic guitar. Storm in Summer was released on April 9 and is available everywhere now. Order your copy here.