EP Review: MISSING PET’s Sentimental Germ – A Dark Exploration of Love and Loss

EP Review: MISSING PET’s Sentimental Germ – A Dark Exploration of Love and Loss

Written By: Dan Eachus

Introduction

MISSING PET, the brainchild of Montreal-born, Toronto-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Marek Platek, has been a compelling force in the alt-pop scene since its inception during the pandemic. Emerging from a period marked by introspection and personal upheaval, MISSING PET’s upcoming EP Sentimental Germ delves into themes of loss, disappointment, and the harsh reality that love may not always be enough to sustain us. Recorded in just one day at Wychwood Sound with producer Josh Korody, this four-track EP offers a raw and intense listening experience that reflects Adam’s journey through emotional turmoil and creative rebirth.

The Birth of Sentimental Germ

The genesis of MISSING PET during the pandemic was a response to feelings of entrapment and isolation, emotions that many can relate to during those dark times. For Adam, the lockdown was a period of reflection, forcing him to confront the unsettling realization that something fundamental was missing from the life he had meticulously crafted over a decade. This sense of absence, coupled with the painful end of a long-term relationship and the disbanding of his electro-rock quartet, fueled the creation of Sentimental Germ. The EP became a vessel for Adam to process these experiences, offering both solace and clarity where none seemed available.

A Sonic Exploration of Emotional Depth

Sentimental Germ opens with “Bad Vibes Only,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the EP. With its hypnotic, techno-infused beats and snarling vocals, the song exudes a raw energy that captures the angst and disillusionment Adam felt during the making of the EP. The booming bass and relentless rhythm create an almost claustrophobic atmosphere, echoing the sense of being trapped in one’s own emotional turmoil.

The second track, “I Used To Care,” shifts gears with its eerie, funhouse vibes. Punchy electric guitars clash with bouncy electro beats, creating a dissonant yet infectious soundscape. The track reflects the conflicting emotions of caring deeply yet feeling detached, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced the disintegration of a meaningful relationship. The spooky undertones of the song add an element of surrealism, as if navigating a haunted maze of past memories.

“Hit Where It Hurts,” the third track on the EP, introduces an unexpected acoustic guitar that builds tension before exploding into a catchy, anthemic chorus. The lyrics, “You don’t hate me / You don’t love me / But I feel it / Why you gotta hit where it hurts?” encapsulate the confusion and pain of unreciprocated feelings, a theme that runs throughout the EP. The juxtaposition of the acoustic guitar with the electronic elements creates a dynamic tension, mirroring the emotional conflict that Adam explores in the song.

The EP closes with “Papercuts,” a track that leaves a lasting impression with its frenetic breakbeats and sinister undertones. The song’s title itself is a metaphor for the lingering pain of past wounds, small yet persistent reminders of what once was. The zooming beats and dark, pulsating rhythm evoke a sense of urgency and unease, as if racing against time to escape the clutches of emotional scars.

Thematic Resonance and Artistic Evolution

Throughout Sentimental Germ, Adam grapples with the realization that love, no matter how intense, is not always enough to shape our world according to our desires. The EP is a stark examination of disappointment and the process of coming to terms with the impermanence of relationships. Adam’s lyrics are introspective and poignant, offering listeners a window into his psyche as he navigates the complexities of moving on from a painful chapter in his life.

Drawing on eclectic influences ranging from Mozart’s Requiem to Nine Inch Nails, The Clash, and 80s synthpop, MISSING PET’s sound is both genre-fluid and deeply personal. Each track on Sentimental Germ is a reflection of Adam’s diverse musical palette, blending elements of techno, rock, and electronic music to create a unique and cohesive sonic experience.

Conclusion: A Raw and Honest Musical Offering

Sentimental Germ is more than just a collection of songs; it is a cathartic expression of Adam Marek Platek’s journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. The EP’s dark and moody soundscapes are a fitting backdrop for the themes of entrapment and emotional isolation that Adam explores with unflinching honesty. As a project that emerged from a period of profound personal and creative upheaval, Sentimental Germ stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of music. Whether you’re a fan of alt-pop, electronic music, or simply looking for an emotionally resonant listening experience, MISSING PET’s Sentimental Germ is an EP that demands attention.