Bad Wave is no stranger to us here at TMR. Their synthesised prog-rock has explored topics ranging from politics to sci-fi fiction to identity, and now, the Los Angeles duo are back with a self-titled EP. The release features four brand new songs ‘I Can Be A Friend To You’, ‘Blue’, ‘Into The Red’ and ‘Perfectly Loud’. While the whole EP is worth your undivided attention, it’s the fourth and final dramatic single that’s got us in a tizzy. Producer Patrick Hart works his space magic over the synth-pop melodies and songwriter Tucker Tota lays down his simply-constructed yet powerful lyrics. Following the sanguine introduction, the track launches into a vivacious chorus of jittery cymbals, bold drums, and statement guitar thrusts. No doubt this chorus is designed to revive even the most sleepy of listeners, as Tota almost shouts “So wake up / Now / Everything’s getting so loud.” Considering Bad Wave’s past themes, ‘Perfectly Loud’ could be a rebellion against apathy, especially in the increasingly toxic political environment in the US. The message is loud and clear: wake up, speak up, do something before you’re drowned out by the noise. - Hannah Thacker