A Very Special Episode - 'AVSE'

There’s very little breathing room on 'AVSE', the new five-track EP from Brooklyn trio A Very Special Episode, and that’s exactly what makes it work. Across its short runtime, the band move between abrasive guitars, heavy rhythms and surprisingly infectious melodies, creating something that feels equally at home in a sweaty club as it does blasting through a pair of headphones.

Opening with 'But I’m A… Starr', the EP immediately sets its tone. Guitars crash and grind around Kasey Heisler’s commanding vocals, while the track manages to retain a strong melodic centre beneath all the noise. From there, the band keep the momentum moving, balancing heavier moments with more melodic and atmospheric passages.

The record's strength comes from this ability to shift between moods without ever feeling disjointed. There’s plenty of distortion and intensity, but 'AVSE' isn’t simply an exercise in making as much noise as possible. The quieter moments and more spacious production give the heavier sections room to hit harder, while the band's pop instincts keep the whole thing moving forward.

As the EP progresses, A Very Special Episode explore a darker and more atmospheric side of their sound. The contrast works particularly well, allowing the record to feel dynamic rather than simply relentless. There's a constant sense of tension running underneath the songs, even when the band pull back from the noise.

'Suspirium' provides perhaps the biggest change of pace. Eerie and cinematic, it strips things back and allows a little more space into the record, showcasing a more atmospheric side of the band. After the intensity of the earlier tracks, its quieter, slightly unsettling mood feels almost unexpected, but it works, adding another dimension to the EP without feeling out of place.

The EP closes with 'Too Cool', arguably its most immediate moment. Built around a tight, infectious groove, it brings a different energy to the record, with a darker post-punk influence running through its guitars and rhythm section. It’s catchy without losing the band's rough edges, and feels like the perfect final statement, something you could dance to, if you weren't too busy getting knocked around by the guitars.

What ultimately makes 'AVSE' work is its sense of momentum. These five tracks feel deliberately compact, with little wasted space and enough variation to keep things interesting. A Very Special Episode clearly know how to make an impact, but there’s also a real sense that the band are having fun with the chaos.

For a band who have spent years cutting their teeth on the Brooklyn DIY circuit, 'AVSE' feels like a confident snapshot of where they are now — loud, unpredictable, melodic and occasionally dark. It may only be five tracks, but there’s more than enough here to leave you wanting to see what they do next.

A Very Special Episode – 'AVSE' is out now, stream the full collection below. The band will also be hitting the UK this Autumn, see below for dates. 

Thursday, 8th October - Brewdog Aberdeen Castlegate - Aberdeen, Scotland