Review: The Space Between Happiness and Heartache by Love is Noise
“When you touch the grey, it turns to colours in my mind.”
When a rapper brands a track as a freestyle, it often sets lower expectations, and the same applies to EPs. This raises concerns about whether The Space Between Happiness and Heartache, a 10-minute, 4-song EP from Love is Noise, would deliver anything more than mediocre metalcore. Unfortunately, the outcome reflects a step back to generic sounds rather than the vibrant experimentation fans have come to expect.
This band has previously garnered praise for its genre-bending approach. Their first EP, To Live a Different Way, successfully merged britpop influences with alternative metal, resulting in mesmerizing crescendos through steady grooves reminiscent of Deftones. It hinted at the band’s potential for expansive growth.
While shorter EPs often encourage some level of musical cohesion, this record falls short. The sound here echoes the more tedious works of Thrice, merely skimming the surface of creativity. The tracks are mid-tempo, laden with uninspired electronic touches that fail to blend with the overall sound. The highlight, “crying in the rain,” offers a refreshing, 90-second instrumental piece that captures its title beautifully, evoking the soothing tones of M83.
Regrettably, the actual songs are forgettable. “smile” and “fury” hold potential, yet only realize it intermittently. The former lacks a vibrant guitar tone, while the latter gets lost in monotonous chugging after a promising start. This EP lacks the diversity and engaging energy that characterized the band’s earlier work, making it indistinguishable from their peers.
One commendable aspect is the thoughtful writing, diverging from the typical angst prevalent in the genre. The lyrics offer a fresh perspective filled with hope, as seen in “the rain that follows me,” which explores the struggles of escaping an artificial reality. While unable to develop its concept fully given the brief runtime, it successfully captures the unhealthy allure of escapism.
In sum, if this were a debut EP, one might acknowledge its potential. However, for a band that has previously showcased a rich array of sounds, this backtracking disappoints. The claim that they aim for listeners to find their own meaning feels hollow. There’s little to discover here, making this entry a missed opportunity for growth and exploration.
