Broken Head - Sungazer EP: Massachusetts Alternative-Rock with a Tinge of 90's Shoegaze



Broken Head is a Massachusetts based alternative-rock band that has released two EPs and a couple of singles since 2020. The blurb on their record label's website lists 90's shoegaze bands Catherine Wheel and Swervedriver as major influences, which can definitely be heard especially when listening to everything that was released after the Sungazer EP. Having never really listened to either of those bands, my first reaction when hearing Broken Head's first single 'Rinse' was that it reminded me a little of Balance and Composure. 

Founding members and dual vocalists Rob Hooper and Alessio Tranchell both come from the punk scene (hardcore and pop-punk respectively), and while Sungazer stylistically fits much more into alternative-rock, there are elements, especially in the vocals, that are reminiscent of punk at times. 

I chose to write about Sungazer specifically even though it is their first EP because it is my favorite Broken Head release so far. Everything released after Sungazer including the 2022 EP 'A Wishful Thing' trends closer to shoegaze, with the vocals buried further behind the massive guitars, as is common in that genre. I prefer the more upfront vocals and poppier alternative-rock sound of Sungazer, but if you're a shoegaze fan you should definitely check the rest of their releases. 

Now, finally getting to Sungazer: listening to this EP finds you enveloped by big, distorted guitars with catchy vocal melodies throughout. The guitar tones are great - big and fuzzy a lot of the time, but never overly abrasive. Every single chorus hooks you in, and the pop-punk reminiscent refrains towards the end of some of the songs will easily get stuck in your head. 

Of the four songs on this EP, my favorite is probably 'Lavender Waves/Bare.' The guitars on this track are less distorted and a little more jangly, and Rob and Alessio are joined by a female vocalist during the breezy choruses. I've already mentioned the guitars and vocals on this EP, but the second track 'Kingfisher' showcases the bass in a big way as the guitars leave some space during the verses. Sungazer finishes strong with 'Atlas', and as I'm a sucker for anthemic refrains, the ending never fails to hype me up with the guys shouting: 'I'm drifting away/ in lavender waves/ don't quit on me now/ sungazer' over and over again. 

While Broken Head's first EP, Sungazer, is still my favorite release from them, I'm still excited to see where they go moving forward. Releasewave.com shows that Broken Head's debut LP, 'Morning Ends' is set to release on 5/31/24, so get hyped for that. 


Broken Head - Lavender Waves/Bare



Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/brokenheadmusic/


Band Members

Rob Hooper

Alessio Tranchell

Evan White (not on Sungazer) - drums on later releases


Random Recs for Fans of Broken Head

Balance and Composure - Tiny Raindrop: https://open.spotify.com/track/4EvzBvvreh74hcVAsUvfjD?si=a7bb61ca92f84ad9

Kinokoteikoku - Umi to Hanataba (海と花束): https://open.spotify.com/track/5ZJwj1m125lhcpjIvZr1Go?si=ff9767f2030b4011


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