7/10

For many emerging bands, a debut EP serves as an introduction. But for LOMENS, ‘Surely Not?’ feels more like a declaration of intent. Across six emotionally charged, sonically adventurous tracks, the West Yorkshire five-piece demonstrate an impressive willingness to push beyond the familiar boundaries of alternative rock, crafting a release that is as ambitious as it is emotionally engaging.

Having spent the past year building a reputation through a series of increasingly confident singles and energetic live performances, the band arrive at this milestone sounding remarkably assured. But rather than settling into one identifiable style, ‘Surely Not?’ thrives on contrast, as elements of alt-rock collide with electronic textures, dance-inspired rhythms and unexpected percussive flourishes, creating a sound that feels fluid and unpredictable without ever losing its identity.

Lyrically, LOMENS are equally unafraid to confront difficult subject matter. Themes of grief, dependency, fractured relationships and personal disappointment run throughout the EP. The band’s experiences clearly inform the material, giving the songs an authenticity that makes their broader emotional themes easy to connect with. These are personal stories, yet they speak to experiences that will feel familiar to many listeners.

The performances themselves are consistently strong. Christopher Parker delivers each vocal with conviction, balancing vulnerability and urgency as the songs demand, while the instrumental work highlights the chemistry that naturally develops between musicians who have spent years playing together. The dual guitars create both atmosphere and weight, the rhythm section provides constant momentum, and the expanded use of synthesisers and percussion introduces additional colour without overwhelming the arrangements.

For a group formed only a short time ago, ‘Surely Not?’ represents remarkable progress. It captures a band already comfortable taking creative risks while demonstrating the songwriting discipline needed to make those ideas work. If this debut EP is any indication of where LOMENS are heading, their growing reputation within the UK alternative scene is unlikely to remain a local secret for much longer.