Belmont 

“Last To Love” 

Genre: Rock 

Bryn Van Horne

A compact 13-minute, 4-song EP, Belmont’s new release "Last To Love" dives headfirst into themes of existential crises, offering a raw and vulnerable reflection on emotional lows. Sonically, the music is drenched in pop-punk influences with lush emo elements, creating a familiar yet emotionally charged backdrop. The songs embody that classic contrast of sounding upbeat and energetic, while simultaneously carrying heavy, sometimes devastating lyrics: “I give up. Feeling like I’m gonna relapse” (“Live a Lie”), “Let me drown” (“In the Sky”). At times, the lyrics feel almost like a cry for help from the band itself. These themes aren’t new for Belmont, their top tracks such as “Overstepping” and “Pushing Daisies” are also grounded in themes of self-doubt, exhaustion, and self-sabotage. Though rooted in Belmont’s signature style, there is still something striking and beautiful about how cathartic this project is, both for the band to write and record, and for fans to absorb. 

The EP closes with “Liminal,” its longest track, which slips into a slower, melodic rap flow. It’s an unexpected but thought-provoking change of pace compared to the other three songs of the project, which lean heavily on booming drums and thick hard-rock guitar riffs. 

Recommended Track: On the opening track, “In the Sky,” Taz Johnson’s screaming vocals push this song into metalcore territory, and deliver what I think is the most powerful moment on the EP. 

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)