MUSIC REVIEW: REBA MEYERS – Clouded World [EP]

Label: RLM Records

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Rating: 92%

Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Seems 2025 is the year of EPs… while I miss full-length releases, I get it.  Reba Meyers steps out of the Code Orange world and into her own Clouded World on these six tracks that allow her to flex her rock muscles and show the world what she can do.  Title song and opening track “Clouded World” gives us a glimpse into some cool metal / punk influences that permeate every note and nuance of the song.  This one grabbed me and kept me listening to the whole 25 minutes of music looking for more of the same.  The guitars are solid and aggressive while the bottom end perfectly supports the track and her driven vocals.  “Certain Uncertainty” shifts gears and delivers a cool almost melancholic track that allows Reba’s emotionally charged vocals and lyrics to rise in the mix without taking away from the musical component that keeps the track moving forward.  The overall feel of this track, while different from the opener, digs it sonic claws in and won’t let go.  “Got Your Hold On Me” is a fun track that takes another slight turn from the track that caught my attention, but it does so with an earworm feel that buries itself in your head and psyche.  The vocals are crisp and drive the lyrics into your thoughts (dangerous when listening while working in the office) and keep the desire to plow through the entire EP alive.  “Sanctuary” is another track with an ethereal sound and approach, giving the disc some musical consistency that may not be needed, but allows you to settle in and enjoy each song for what they are individually or as part of a collection.  The guitars are cool on this track and swirl perfectly with Meyers’ vocals in the mix.  This one has a Cure feel to it (a great thing in my opinion).  “Lust Forbidden” is the one song that seems to pull from each of the other moody tracks without duplicating the emotion and overall feel as the song weaves itself through the verse.  Moving through the different musical sections, the simple musical accompaniment layers nicely under the vocals and keeps the disc moving forward.  Keeps your ears available for the interest guitar solo on the bridge.  Disc closer “Bring Us All Together” took me by surprise after a very subtle opening interlude that left me wondering where the track was headed until the chorus smashed me between my ears and let me know once again that all is not what it seems or sounds like on this EP.  Well done, Reba… you have made a fan of this old school rocker and I for one cannot wait to see and hear what is next.

Tracklisting: Clouded World – Certain Uncertainty – Got Your Hold On Me – Sanctuary – Lust Forbidden – Bring Us All Together

REBA MEYERS LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

INSTAGRAM

CLOUDED WORLD EP – APPLE MUSIC

Category: CD Reviews