SEX MASK TRADE POST-PUNK GRIT FOR HIGH TEMPO ELECTRO BEATS ON NEW SELF TITLED EP

EP REVIEW | SEX MASK – SEX MASK by Anne Kelly

Less than a year after their last release, Sex Mask are back with a fresh EP. A record that leans harder than ever into high-tempo electro beats, the band’s self-titled effort marks a gradual departure from their post-punk roots. While the raw attitude and pulsing kinetic energy suggest a band built to destroy a live venue, the recorded output struggles to make the same emotional connection, feeling a little under-baked.

Recent single ‘Raid’ starts the record on a peak. High-octane, hook-driven, and relentlessly fast, the opening number is propelled forward by Vinnie Moncada‘s driving drum beat. Blending electro, industrial flourishes with Wry Gray’s gritty, confrontational vocal delivery, this one is easily the standout of the EP.

Revering electro-club vibes over the mosh pit, the next track ‘TYFU’ relies on vocoder reverb and heavy punch. While it moves smoothly, it suffers from a lack of dynamic evolution, making its three-minute runtime feel surprisingly dull as it fades into the background.

‘Lockjaw’ opens with a neat guitar lick over a building intro, keeping the pace exciting and high. Despite occasional bursts of attitude, the steady beat and passive structure keep it from ever fully taking off.

Penultimate ‘Sweat’ delivers a welcome shift in texture, kicking off with a punchier, punk-infused electronica feel. The introduction of Kaya Martin‘s softer guest vocals pairs nicely with Gray’s more melodic approach, resulting in a nice dual-vocal dynamic which, along with a solid breakdown, gives the track a depth missing elsewhere on the record.

Finale number ‘Drug Reference’ embraces a post-industrial kinda energy. A natural high-tempo closer trades dance floor grooves for a more shouty, guitar-driven rock. Dual vocals return to help carry the momentum, but an abrupt finish leaves the listener a bit short-changed, with little lasting impression left to grasp onto.

Sex Mask isn’t a bad record, but it rarely demands your full attention. As observed on the previous EP Body Broker was that many tracks felt unfinished; that impression remains here. By prioritising fast synth-and-electro rhythms over their earlier post-punk sound, Sex Mask have created an EP that likely hits heavy in a live room, but feels merely “so-so” on record. Without strong melodic or emotional anchors to grip onto, the release leaves Sex Mask sounding fast and energetic, but somewhat stationary in growth.

Sex Mask by Sex Mask is out now. Pick up a digital copy via Bandcamp or stream via Spotify here. If you fancy checking if that live energy delivers, you can catch the trio across the UK later this month and into September. Tickets on sale here.