By Squiggly Meyers
Artist Review – Caustic Waves
Glasgow, Scotland is home to many a Scottish lore since William I designated Glasgow a burgh of barony. One of the most recent exports comes in the form of the Alternative/Post-hardcore artistry of Caustic Waves. Established in 2019 by Neil Thomas, as a means to expand on his production skills, Caustic Waves grew organically. The project was started in 2019 and given precedent due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. This helped the process move along exponentially. By 2022, the six song debut EP was ready for mastering and Caustic Waves was ready for a world debut and domination.
So when you are listening to Caustic Waves, music lovers, you are diving into the artistry and soul of Neil Thomas, multi-instrumentalist. Neil’s approach to songwriting comes from his influences growing up in Glasgow. Bands that surged in the late nineties and early two thousands, like Incubus, Deftones, Helmet, and Kerbdog, to name a few. Though Neil says that his approach isn’t really plotted out, he just goes with the flow drawing from his adolescent habits when he would jam out in his bedroom on his guitar to Helmet and The Deftones. That’s what is at the core of Caustic Waves, the heart of a Glasgow teenager immersed in his music.
Album Review – Full Circle
That being said, the debut six song EP, Full Circle, is a strong entry and showcases the energy afore mentioned. This EP stands toe to toe with it’s peers of the genre. Surging with the energy of bands like Helmet, Rollins Band, and The Offspring. The opening song, “Knocking at my Door”, sets the tone for the EP in that it showcases all of the stylistic musicianship in every nuance through the use of layered guitars and droning tones. Musically though, it leans more in the high-spirited energy of blink-182 and Green Day. Vocally, Neil’s tone is a combo of Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and Tom DeLonge of blink-182, and sits well with the music. Full Circle is a great debut offering and shows the potential for more outstanding music to come. Caustic Waves is an excellent band to follow.
Song Review – Knocking At My Door
Alright, music lovers, today’s song is an Alternative full-on rockfest.
Scotland native Caustic Waves brings the nitro to the party. Influenced by the rock scene of the turn of the century and steeped in musical lore, Knocking at my Door will have you reaching for that Pro Skater game of the era.
Musically, the song kicks off with an unplugged electric guitar, and then the musical mayhem bursts in out of nowhere. The heavily saturated guitars lay the foundation for this Alternative classic contender. Then the vocals drop in to confirm that we are in a retro ride of our lives. Well, there is no doubt in my mind that this could win several awards, including people’s choice.
Lyrically, it’s an affirmation of freedom. The protagonist in this story comes to a clear understanding that the relationship he is in is not a healthy one, and as such makes the conscience decision to sever the connection. Realizing that he is also at fault for believing that no one was in harms way. Yet underneath it all, there was a toxic situation brewing.
The storyline can fit many scenarios as the negative element can be anyone, male or female. It could be a love interest or a professional one. Wishing the affected party well whilst marching out the door is a nice touch at the end. Caustic Waves really hit a universal nerve with this one. So, music lovers, I can only speak for myself, but the message is clear, if you are in an unhealthy relationship and want out, take the bull by the horns and make your stand. Now, mind you, if you are in an abusive relationship and need help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline in your area. There is someone who will listen, you are not alone.
Check out our interview with Caustic Waves here!