album review

Backengrillen don’t give a fuck if you like them. Or if you don’t. Or if you “get it.” It sounds harsh, but they really do not care. Because this self-titled debut isn’t about you. It’s not even about them. It’s about us.

With their second album, Sunlight Echoes, the band Whitelands from London have created a story that follows the ups and downs of life.

"Stuck Inside the Mirror" is a snapshot of James Garcia’s deepest struggle. From the grungy "Rearrange Me" to the haunting 9-minute catharsis of "Fallen Leaves," Cement Diver transcends sad shoegaze to deliver a record of raw survival.

It is impressive to see a band as young as guttered - composed of Ali Rizvi (guitars), Domingo Rodriguez (bass), Khoa Nguyen (vocals and guitar), and Luis Rodríguez (drums), all 18–19 — emerge with such a strong identity.