EP Review: Mirror ≠ Self

The new EP Mirror ≠ Self by As Colour Fades features six polished tracks exploring personal rebirth, the struggle against one’s own conscience, and the process of coming to terms with a new version of oneself. Fearlessly vulnerable, the EP pairs consistent punch, punishing breakdowns and screw-face guitar riffs with melodic sections reminiscent of early Saosin or Circa Survive. There’s a familiarity of post-hardcore throughout, countered by the heaviness of Underoath and The Devil Wears Prada, alongside the chuggier, more aggressive and brotherhood-driven spirit of New Zealand hardcore.

Title track Mirror ≠ Self opens the EP with a vengeance. The song is well arranged and guitar-laden, with experimental production that adds to the chaos, all while having a cool futuristic edge that perhaps wouldn’t have been present in their earlier work. The lyrics are compelling and raw, and balance well with the more rhythmic sections. Conin Bowker (vocals) describes the personal struggle of identity and perhaps moments of disconnection from oneself through the process of growth.

A distinctive guitar motif opens track two, Keep Saying Goodbye, with drums that are really in the pocket. This song is also bass-heavy and really groovy, a two-step anthem for sure. The songwriting takes us through a journey of keeping a loved one alive, perhaps battling depression and struggling to find hope. It’s actually a beautiful song; it shows a different mana and loyalty that the band stands for, which you don’t hear every day in mainstream music. It also talks about the unpredictability of the future and the hidden pain we carry to try and keep faith while often feeling powerless.

Pressure reminds me so much of Saosin for some reason, with its own heaviness. It’s so catchy and melodic, with its own clever arrangement and structure. A highly relatable concept of living in a society dominated by mundane routine, productivity and spiritual numbness. The plea for freedom in the lyrics marries perfectly with the breakdown two-thirds in and contrasts with anger as an emotion; perhaps an expression of the sadness or frustration that lies beneath the pressure of upholding a life (or job) that doesn’t feel like you.

Hold On To Hope, as the name suggests, adds some clarity and resilience to the EP. An atmospheric filler which takes a pause from the emotion and almost sends the listener into a momentary cathartic state before leading to the next track.

Endeavour speaks to the listener about past regrets while offering a quiet meditation on healing and the gift of time passing. It reminds me of a time in the scene when bands had no shame in speaking out about mental health, personal struggles and overcoming life as a community. Not that this doesn’t happen anymore, but it’s nice to feel that someone cares when producing art that is consumed. It gives the listener a moment to reflect on their own life, drawing in an audience that may otherwise be used to disconnection or shame.

Never Give In closes the EP with a sense of solidarity and defiance that has long set hardcore, post-hardcore and metalcore apart. For decades, bands in these genres have offered an outlet for emotions that can get lost in music designed for broad appeal. It’s refreshing to come across a band on my feed that doesn’t fit the mould, but instead encourages listeners to sit with their struggles and find connection through them. Across the EP, As Colour Fades give space for discomfort, introspection and the kind of shared experience that reminds us to rediscover purpose and reconnect with art.