‘Martyr’: A Window into Scottish Hardcore
The latest release from Purgatory, a four-song EP aptly titled ‘Martyr’, provides an unfiltered view into the band’s personal struggles. It also shows the stylistic fluidity of the post-hardcore genre. As frontman and lead vocalist Struan Davidson says, Purgatory “could play a pop punk show one night, a slam show the next and not feel out of place”. The Aberdonian band’s previous EP (‘Foundations’), was well-received following its release in January of this year. I dare say that ‘Martyr’ edges out its predecessor as a natural progression in individual style and lyricism.
The title track is first on the EP and opens up the record with explosive guitar melodies (provided by guitarists Calum Lawrence and Lewis Fraser) and a punishing tempo. The theme of religion/faith is introduced in this song from the perspective of turning away from organised religion. When asked about the themes of the record, Struan clarified that “a lot of what the songs are about is trust and faith, or a lack thereof”. Whilst I find this song perhaps the least memorable of the EP, it still effectively opens the floor for the rest.
The following song, ‘Purgatory’, serves as a summary of the band’s perspective and musical direction. Exploring feelings of loss and self-loathing through Struan’s heavy unclean vocal sections, this track demands empathy from the listener in a way that isn’t self-pitying or whiny. The driving bass guitar (from Owen Duffus) pushes the song forward with a balance of aggression and control.
‘Gone, but Not Forgotten’ leads with an instrumental typical of Purgatory’s heavier side only to settle into a quieter dynamic, as Struan’s heartrending vocals take the front seat. With a vocal feature from Dude Trips lead singer Jamie Mathers, the contrast between vocal styles almost reflects the different ways we all process pain. If anything, I find myself wishing that Jamie had more time on the song. As a beautiful tribute to a dear friend that passed away, the raw emotion in this almost makes it difficult to listen to for those who relate to that experience.
Continuing from the atmosphere created by the previous track, ‘By Tomorrow’ is a softer moment on the record. The sparkly production over acoustic guitar evokes memories of Brand New’s more soothing tracks. Oddly enough, Purgatory’s softer songs always seem to strike a chord with their fans. Bringing a haunting, grunge-tinted ballad like this one into ‘Martyr’ is a fitting way to finish the record. It resolves the emotional riptide from previous tracks into the solemn perspective of someone resigned with their pain.
It would be a disservice to summarise this EP as anything less than an emotional journey of a record. The Purgatory boys; Connor Logue, Struan, Owen, Lewis and Calum bring their own flavour of hardcore to the Scottish music scene while staying true to their influences (including ‘Being As An Ocean’ and ‘Departures’). Intrigued readers should watch this space, as the band have much more to offer in the coming year.
