EP Review: ‘Cardinal’ by Bouquet
‘Cardinal’ Cover Art by Daniel Harris
Artist: Bouquet
Genre: Post Rock / Post Hardcore
Label: Independent
Reviewed Music: ‘Cardinal’ (EP, Sept 17th, 2021) 5 Tracks (15 min 8 sec)
“Peony” (1:34)
“Tire Swing” ft Tyler Zumhof of Kayak Jones (2:53)
“Glisten” (4:38)
“Seed” (2:01)
“Southpaw” (3:59)
Audio Credits:
All songs written and performed by Bouquet.
Engineered, produced, and mixed by Andrei Milosevic.
Mastered by Kris Crummett at Interlace Audio.
Review of ‘Cardinal’ (EP, Sept 17th, 2021) by Bouquet
Tackling a whirlwind of orphaned emotions and somber tones, post-hardcore act, Bouquet, blossoms from their midwestern roots in their stunning debut release, ‘Cardinal’ (Sept 17th, 2021). Anchored by a skillfully arranged backdrop of instrumentals, poetic spears, and crushing mental blows, Bouquet seizes listeners ears with poignant analogies, atmospheric sonics, and an avalanche of curated emotion.
“…Water me like a flower;
I'll feed you like the sun…”
-Excerpt from “Peony”
Utilizing a spoken word approach which quickly builds to a ferocious, yet crumbling serenade, Bouquet launches their journey into an explosive chapter with opening track, “Peony”. Withholding nothing, the chorus drives home a heartache embedded in slashing analogies. Already, vocalist Nick Booth unveils his masterful cascade of intense vocal depictions and lyrical compositions, rendering even the most solemn listeners helpless.
It is challenging to not dwell on the pained tamber in Booth’s voice as “Peony” concludes, however “Tire Swing” immediately ushers listeners deeper into the throes of heartache. An upbeat instrumental subdues unrestrained verbal attacks at an unknown offender: long since absent from the life story. There is no build - merely forced aggression - as the song advances, accented with a brilliant feature from Tyler Zumhof of Kayak Jones. Devolving into a gritty, enraged duet, the symphony of these skillful vocalists drive the piece to its somber termination.
“…So, do you need more?
Or am I just what you settled for?
Cast me a line, I'm terrified
Of finding out all of it was a lie…”- Excerpt from “Glisten”
Showcasing a gazey and mellowed approach similar to that on “Peony”, “Glisten” - Bouquet’s 2021 single debut - perpetuates the ache. Plenty can be said about the simplistic, yet skillful backdrop of guitars on this track - maintaining the presence of an uneasy ambience. Nestled among a contorted pool of emotions and betrayal, the collected instrumentals define the baseline for this track’s spiraling energy.
There is much to unpack as listeners press on through the 15 minutes of this charged collective. A beautifully animated video accompanies the third track, “Seed” and tactfully blends Booth’s crooning vocals with an unnerving aura. Bouquet takes this opportunity to orchestrate chords in hearts of those who struggle to feel like they belong, or who wrestle with meaning of any sort in their everchanging lives:
“…God damnit I'm twenty three
I can't feel anything
Most days I don't know who I am anyway
Just sit dissociate
Let myself rot away
In the same bed I've been in but I can't leave…”- Excerpt from “Seed”
…that certainly isn’t your childhood Blink 182 lyric (ie: “No one likes you when you’re 23…”) , as Booth offers this distressed memoir from the audible depths of his soul.
Hurtling into the closing track, “Southpaw”, listeners are graced with the reveal of the album namesake. Bellowed cries of loss and pangs of regret reveal an undying confession of admiration encapsulated within…
“…A search for you in wind
You’re my cardinal
Point me in the right direction
Southpaw
My left
With love we leave
Find peace; find rest…”- Excerpt from “Seed”
This composition of songs truly stands alone and undoubtedly speaks for itself as one of the more tumultuous entries of 2021. Presented as a succinct saga of unfiltered angst, honesty, and resolution, there is no question that Bouquet’s delivery of ‘Cardinal’ positions itself as a “must-listen” debut. - Nic B
FFO: Lastelle, avoid., Out of Service, The Maguas, XIII Weeks, Home at Last