8/10

Brooklyn’s Le Big Zero don’t just tip its hat to the restless innovation of past underground icons, they charge headfirst into the lineage of off-kilter melodies and jagged rhythms with a sound that feels urgent, unpredictable, and absolutely exhilarating. Originally making their mark with their highly-praised 2022 debut album 'A Proper Mess' and follow-up EP 'At Arm's Length', their newest EP 'How To Use a Semicolon;' is a tight, three-track testament to what happens when pop instincts collide with a punk ethos, creating something refreshingly unorthodox.

Since their formation in 2019, Le Big Zero have been crafting music that thrives in the space between structure and chaos, pulling inspiration from the angular grit of Sonic Youth, the jittery energy of Jawbox, and the dynamic punch of Superchunk. With songwriter/guitarist Michael Pasuit and vocalist Carolina Aguilar leading the charge, the band look to pull their distinctive direction into a new era, doubling down on raw and driven hooks to create this wildly exploitative offering from start to finish.

Each track on 'How To Use a Semicolon;' hums with eccentric unpredictability, inviting us into a world of sharp turns, kinetic riffs, and unexpected melodic shifts. It’s the kind of release that pulls you in and rarely lets you go, proving that the spirit of musical experimentation is alive and well in their New York home. Anthemic and groove-laden in equal measure, Le Big Zero are certainly looking to rekindle their early fire with this bold and dynamic new release.