In the eight months since dropping their debut EP ‘GALORE’, House of Protection’s stock has continued to rise. Thanks to tours with Poppy and Bad Omens, and a notable collaboration with Architects, Stephen Harrison and Aric Improta have carved out their own brand of explosive, genre-defying alternative punk. Their second EP, ‘Outrun You All’, sustains that momentum, matching ‘GALORE’ in energy while expanding their sonic palette.
The EP opens with the brief and eerie ‘524å§ł€€°’, a cryptic intro that segues seamlessly into ‘Afterlife’. Glitchy electronics, dense guitars, and distorted beats create a rich backdrop for melodic metalcore bursts. Harrison’s cathartic crescendos pair with sharp, rhythmic bars, while Improta keeps a tight grip on the tempo, his restraint amplifying the track’s underlying magnetism.
‘Godspeed’ raises the stakes with pulsating urgency. Rapid-fire verses give way to a surging wave of electronica, building with euphoric intent. It’s a propulsive, adrenaline-fueled high point that shows the duo at their most exhilarating.
The EP momentarily pulls back on ‘I Need More Than This,’ a brooding cut built on a buzzing bassline and introspective lyrics. Improta’s industrious drumming and stabbing synths gradually shift the track’s energy before Harrison lets loose with a riveting guitar solo. It’s a standout that underscores House of Protection’s growing versatility, offering a welcome pause from their usual sonic chaos. That said, ‘Fire’ wastes no time reigniting the frenzy. With punk-fuelled aggression, thrashing guitars, and commanding beats, it charges forward with ferocity, again highlighting the duo’s unrelenting drive.
Electronica takes centre stage on ‘Phasing Out,’ a shimmering, overproduced track that leans into introspection. While the polish occasionally overshadows the track’s lyrical weight, it gives Harrison and Improta space to showcase their vocal range. It’s a softer, more experimental detour, perhaps divisive, but intentional.
Thankfully, the closing track ‘Slide Away’ wraps the EP on a high note. Controlled chaos simmers beneath the surface, with tension and melody coexisting in a perfectly executed balancing act. It’s dynamic, cohesive, and reflective of the band’s sharpened identity.
In just a year, House of Protection have established a bold, diverse sound. ‘Outrun You All’ is the sound of a duo growing more confident in their abilities, fearlessly fusing textures, styles, and moods. It’s easy to see why they remain one of the most exciting acts in the alternative scene.
‘Outrun You All’ by House of Protection is released on May 23rd on Red Bull Records.
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