Glitter Etiquette – Cerulean (Album Review)
Glitter Etiquette – Cerulean (Album Review)
Written By: Dan Eachus
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Genre: electric rock / shoegaze
Introduction
Glitter Etiquette’s latest EP, Cerulean, released on April 12, 2025, is a bold leap into the unknown, fusing electronic rock with the band’s signature raw intensity. Expanding beyond the grunge-heavy tones of Silicone Bodies and the shoegaze-laced dreamscapes of Springfall, this EP is a sonic expedition—one that merges expansive synth textures with driving guitars, pulsating basslines, and unfiltered emotion. The band took a change of pace, and it shows brilliantly in this new album.
At its core, Cerulean is both a narrative and a reflection of the times we live in. Set against a cosmic backdrop, it tells the story of a universe where the color cerulean has been eradicated—a metaphor for truth, hope, and artistic purity. As the search for its essence unfolds, the journey is fraught with conflict, facing off against the Red Army, a force that seeks to suppress and distort reality. Desperate times indeed.
Lyrically and thematically, the EP delves into propaganda, civil unrest, climate collapse, and the creeping disillusionment of modern life. Each track serves as a new experiment, a different fragment of the overarching tale, weaving together urgent messages with otherworldly soundscapes. In an era where the human spirit is tested more than ever, Cerulean is both an escape and a battle cry—a dreamlike voyage through the void in pursuit of something real. Overall, I enjoyed listening to this album. It reminded me of bands I listened to in my teenage and young adult years, wistfully telling a tale about fighting against the odd, against the conflict, while holding out a glimmer of hope. Settle in…this one is good.
Track-by-Track Review
- Cows (3:54)
Opening with a blend of distorted guitar riffs and atmospheric synths, “Cows” sets the tone for the EP. The track’s raw energy and layered textures create a sense of urgency, reflecting the chaos of a world in turmoil. - Possession (3:39)
“Possession” delves into themes of control and autonomy. The haunting melodies and pulsating rhythms mirror the internal struggle between self-identity and external influences. - Be Fine (5:16)
This track offers a moment of introspection amidst the EP’s intensity. With its melancholic tones and reflective lyrics, “Be Fine” explores the facade of well-being in a fractured world. - Blue Plastic (4:55)
“Blue Plastic” stands out with its intricate layering of electronic elements and poignant lyrics. The song captures the artificiality of modern existence and the longing for authenticity. - A Place… (4:35)
Concluding the EP, “A Place…” encapsulates the journey’s end—a search for meaning and belonging in a disoriented reality. The track’s ethereal soundscape leaves listeners contemplating the possibility of finding solace amidst chaos.
Cerulean is a testament to Glitter Etiquette’s evolution as artists, pushing the boundaries of their sound while staying true to their core. The EP’s fusion of electronic rock with thematic depth offers a compelling listening experience that resonates with the complexities of contemporary life. I believe the band pulled off what they were trying to accomplish, and I commend them for that.
For those seeking music that challenges, inspires, and reflects the zeitgeist, Cerulean is an essential listen.
Explore the EP on Bandcamp where your support goes directly to the band: Cerulean by Glitter Etiquette
