EP Review: SAPPED - Brog Left The Bog

New Jersey's grunge-punk band SAPPED offers a distinctive and engaging experience by combining Southern grunge, punk elements, and a creative modern alternative rock twist in their release, Brog Left the Bog.

SAPPED is one of those rare bands that, upon the first listen, captivates you with a sound that feels both oddly familiar and refreshingly unique. They defy the conventional mold of a modern punk band, and their latest EP, Brog Left The Bog, serves as a testament to their eclectic artistry. From the very first track, it becomes clear that there's an intricate tapestry of influences woven into their music, including power pop, sludgey southern punk, all laced with the intense and aggressive undertones of punk and alternative rock. This layered sound captures the essence of the up-and-coming New Jersey band, showing a sort of unique boldness that has not quite resurfaced in some time, and while the first listen can put one in a bit of unfamiliar territory at first, its carefree nature is what continues to captivate and drive this EP forward.

The EP begins on an unconventional and light-hearted note with the track "Bean Salad." Here, Sapped artfully blends grungy overtones with clever power pop sensibilities, offering a sonic invitation into their vividly imagined world, inspired by Southern stoner rock soundscapes. This unique soundscape evokes the nostalgic essence of early '90s grunge and punk, effectively keeping the experience engaging and dynamic. Each moment on the record is crafted to enhance this quirky and entertaining landscape that SAPPED has fashioned throughout Brog Left The Bog.

Drawing inspiration from an actual crabbing excursion along the Atlantic Ocean that vocalist Gabe Celeste encountered, the introductory moments of the EP showcase SAPPED's ability to maintain a sense of fun while intertwining life experiences into their lyrical narrative. This blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling enriches the music, offering fans an engaging journey through the band's creative vision.

Other tracks, like "Setback" and "Waste of Time," further immerse the EP in a rich tapestry of skate punk and grunge-infused melancholy. As you listen to these tracks, it feels as if you've stepped into a nostalgic time capsule, propelled by ethereal yet gritty guitar-driven soundscapes, piercing punk-inspired vocals, the unmistakable rush of skateboards gliding across sunlit pavement, and those blissful long summer days that stretch endlessly, culminating in vibrant pink and purple skies that gently embrace your face just before twilight descends. It is within this sonic realm that the EP showcases some of its finest moments, seamlessly segueing into "Brog Left The Bog."

Offering a refreshing shift in their sonic landscape, "Brog Left The Bog" introduces a more contemplative, somewhat bluesy, and restrained vibe. This track paints vivid auditory environments that highlight the band’s diverse musical influences, weaving them into a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

Despite its brevity, Brog Left The Bog provides a captivating window into the avant-garde yet nostalgically rich universe of grunge-punk—a genre that has faded into the background over time. Bands like SAPPED are here to remind us that this vibrant genre is very much alive, breathing new life into a sound that remains as potent and relevant as ever.