DUDE TRIPS are a Scottish emo band hailing from Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire and comprise of Shaun Ross (vocals, guitar), Jamie Mathers (vocals, bass), Scott Burnett (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Sean Mitchell (drums). The guys have already released an album `Through Love & Death, You’re All I Have Left` and three EPs and have a new six track EP `You Are The Reason I Hate Leaving` due out this month.
This extended play opens with `Leaving` a brief number with guitar and vocals that seems to be about an expected passing, possibly of a long suffering elderly family pet. Although the subject matter is a little downbeat, musically `Evergreen` is quite a vibrant and enchanting number.
It touches on depression and the effects of suicide and was written about the breakup in vocalist/bassist Jamie Mathers relationship due to his partners struggles with mental health.
It`s also number that is a thank you to her for the time they spent together.
`1964` is more melancholic slow burn initially and contains a line from Bruce Springsteen`s `Born To Run`. It takes a dreamier vibe with some shimmering guitar riffs and accompanying drumbeat which leads us the rest of the way through. We have a more forceful texture with `Polola` which possibly means girlfriend. Again, we have glistening guitar chords but there`s a more assertive feel about them and the whole track takes on a more anthemic sensibility.
`Stay` is another confident submission which for the most part has the drums and crashing guitar riffs driving it along at pace. The last minute concludes with a strummed acoustic guitar and vocal. We close out with `Gentle` a mournful homage to vocalist/guitarist Shaun Ross’ dog Miko`s passing and his summation of how it feels to lose a pet. A quite atmospheric eulogy.
There was much to enjoy on `You Are The Reason I Hate Leaving` and it`ll be interesting to see how the band develops on their next release, which I assume will be a fully-fledged album.
Rating 8/10
