EP Review: Lost Souls Searching The Sonoran Highway

A year since the release of their last explosive single, M.A.A.D City, Like A Villain has taken the time to nurture and expand their musical palette with a new EP, Lost Souls Searching The Sonoran Highway.

Nestled within the surreal realms of delirium, aimlessness, and profound existential questioning lies the evocative space of Arizona's Like A Villain and their latest EP, Lost Souls Searching The Sonoran Highway. This band has always possessed a remarkable ability to navigate through emotional tempests, channeling their experiences into their music in ways that are both abstract, heavy and profoundly creative. With this release, Like A Villain invites one on a deeply transformative, introspective journey, viewed through an apocalyptic yet whimsical lens. Their sound artfully magnifies the complexities of inner emotional strife, crafting an experience that feels both nightmarish and inescapable, yet oddly beautiful in its exploration of turmoil and resilience.

From the very first moments, "Lost Souls Searching The Sororon Highway" immerses listeners in an ethereal, out-of-body experience with an intriguing intro that echoes in the distance, "Oh L0rd." This imaginative 30-second vintage piece serves as a haunting prelude, seamlessly connecting the tracks "R3aper" and "Sand Surfing." Both songs transport you into a vividly immersive, pyrexic world where heavy, divergent elements intertwine with serene melodicism, creating a rich and layered soundscape. The perturbed, anthemic vocals and thought-provoking lyricism further enrich this auditory journey, setting the stage for even more intense and celestial moments to unfold throughout the EP.

Photo Credit: Jay Bailey

"Low Blow," the interlude "Fork In The Road," and "A Deal At Midnight" present a restless tapestry of electronic soundscapes, characterized by agitated vocals and nu-metal influences, underscored by hardcore-drenched guitar riffs and dynamic percussive energies. Like A Villain boldly continues to explore and experiment with an array of otherworldly elements throughout this new collection of tracks, immersing listeners deeper into the captivating universe they've crafted for this EP. Each experience draws one in further, showcasing their innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries and storytelling.

Photo credit: Jay Bailey

The final interludes, "Fork In The Road" and "A Deal At Midnight," stand out as the pinnacle of the EP, showcasing the band’s remarkable creativity. These tracks expertly intertwine ethereal, dreamlike elements with robust, resonant percussion that pulses with fervor. The eerie accents of the violin add a haunting quality, while the reverberating, frenetic guitar riffs unleash an overwhelming last burst of energy, complemented by impassioned vocal performances. Together, they create a captivating soundscape that brings the EP to a powerful and satisfying conclusion.

Photo Credit: Jay Bailey

Reflecting on tracks such as the infectious single "M.A.A.D City," released in 2024, one can appreciate the growth and evolution that has taken place since then. Embracing a more serious and mature approach to their sound, Like A Villain skillfully honors their nu-metal heritage while simultaneously expanding their musical palette. The incorporation of diverse metal and hardcore elements, combined with expansive atmospheric soundscapes, culminates in their latest EP, Lost Souls Searching The Sonoran Highway. This work not only showcases the potential of their artistry but also hints at the exciting journey ahead. Serving as a striking introduction to their capabilities, this EP lays the groundwork for the innovative heights they are poised to reach in the future.