MUSIC REVIEW: DYLYN – Heavy [EP]

Label: Nettwerk Music Group

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Rating: 96%

Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Another EP from another performer unknown to me crossed my email and it took me way too long to unpack and embrace the release.  The five-track release from DYLYN (aka Gwendolyn Lewis) dropped about 12 weeks ago and I am just now digesting these cool tracks.  Disc opener and title track “Heavy” unfolds gently and draws you in with an almost eerie vocal that drapes the musical interlude while the two build slowly into the chorus.  The alt-rock track swirls DYLYN’s vocals, the guitars, and some grungy bottom end to create a cool sound and vibe that carries through the sonic ebb and flow of the track.  “Drown” kicks in and we are off and running on a rock and roll rollercoaster.  The breakneck tempo paired with DYLYN’s killer vocals and chugging riffs give this instant R’n’R street cred that borders more on punk and alt rock, but strip away the subgenre’s and this is solid rock from top to bottom.  My foot and head didn’t stop moving from first note to last.  “Overrated” trapses in with a calm demeaner and attitude that shifts on the chorus without deviating from the path cut by the intro and verse.  The rhythmic vibe of the verse morphs slightly as the song moves from start to finish.  Be sure to hang out for the Jekyl & Hyde transition at the bridge courtesy of DYLYN’s vocal.  “Change Me” is exaclty what I expect when I hear the term alt-rock… until the chrous drops and the second verse picks up.  The fuzzy guitar blended with riffs that could have been ripped from a multitude of late 1980’s rock albums.  DYLYN’s vocals are tossed perfectly overtop the music and the song keeps the mood of the EP intact.  Disc closer “Quit You” is an alomost sultry track that benefits 100% from DYLYN’s voice and the way she twists the different parts of the track with different deliveries from verse to chorus to bridge.  This song perfectly ties the other tracks together and ends the short collection leaving you wanting either more tracks or compelling you to kick this release back to the top and playing it again.

Tracklisting: Heavy – Drown – Overrated – Change Me – Quit You

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HEAVY EP – APPLE MUSIC

Category: CD Reviews