8/10

There’s a thrilling sense of tension running through Cursing’s latest EP 'Chiral', the feeling of a band standing squarely between past and future and choosing not to resolve that friction too neatly. This release hums with movement, capturing the restless energy of artists who are shedding old skin while still feeling its weight. It’s the sound of transition, rendered loud, melodic, and gloriously unpolished.

From the opening moments its vibrant title-track, it’s clear this EP isn’t interested in safety. The guitars feel bigger, more tactile, scraping and soaring in equal measure, while the rhythm section drives forward with a pulse that feels almost anxious to arrive somewhere new. Tracks like 'What Is Done' immediately announce this shift, riding bright, chiming guitar lines that carry a sense of longing beneath their swagger.

That push forward intensifies on 'In Effect' and 'High Roads', where sharp, angular riffs lock in with propulsive drums to create songs that feel built for late-night drives and crowded floors alike. These tracks crackle with urgency, balancing catchy momentum with an undercurrent of unease. Nothing feels static; even the hooks seem to lean forward, as if they might tip over if held too long.

One of the EP’s most quietly devastating moments arrives with closer 'City Limits'. Here, the band pulls back just enough to let melancholy seep in, exploring the strange grief of realising you’ve outgrown the place that once defined you. It’s reflective without being sentimental, giving space to breathe while still carrying emotional weight.

But what makes this EP truly compelling is its humanity. You can hear the room it was recorded in, the imperfections left intact, and the moments where feeling won over finesse. That choice gives the songs a lived-in quality, making them feel immediate rather than manufactured.

'Chiral' captures a band in motion, unafraid of friction, and embracing growth as something messy, loud, and deeply alive.