EP Review: It’s Harder Now To Breathe by Rozemary
EP artwork for It’s Harder Now To Breathe by Rozemary
The transition from a first release to a second can bring numerous questions: “What will this sound like?” “Is this going to be a copy of the first one?” “Will it live up to expectations?” With “It’s Harder Now To Breathe”, the follow-up to 2025’s “the lies they made me believe”, North-Western metalcore outfit Rozemary continues to push itself. The first thing you will notice is an increased sense of urgency. Mosh ready anthems line the walls and demand your attention from the start. For those wanting a gentle introduction to the band, you will not find it here.
Songwriting as a whole has been noticeably upscaled. Layers of guitars cloak the ears with panic chords and crushing open notes. The bass presence has increased so much that you may find yourself forgetting, or never even realising, that Rozemary is a one-guitar band. Ved Goswami and Christy Cottier complement each other time and time again, and push the songs forward with ease. What is, at times, unflinchingly complex riffing is held together by a watertight rhythm section with tones that juxtapose one another magnificently, whilst drummer Shay Toole frequently finds space to flex his muscles.
Lost, the EP’s heaviest offering, is as savage as it is heartbreaking. Vocalist Izabel Lavin is on the form of her life, delivering a jaw-dropping array of screams which would humble many of her contemporaries. Following this display with an acoustic reprise, a near ballad in the scope of this release, showcases her ability to navigate melody whilst allowing the listener to sit and take a moment to reflect. A welcome break from the chaos and a clearer insight into the lyrical narrative that “it’s harder now to breathe” follows: guilt, loss, and mourning.
Many will know this band for the standout hit Starlit Ballroom, a mainstay in the band’s setlist and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Some may be surprised, others relieved, to find that Rozemary has elected not to create a carbon copy for this EP. The aforementioned acoustic reprise may count for some, but whilst other bands would decide to cash in on the appeal of such a song, Rozemary has chosen to defy the audience and focus their abilities elsewhere. Rest assured, singalong moments remain a prominent feature in the band’s arsenal.
Change, the EP’s third track, is a star highlight. A soaring chorus and verses that batter the listener over and over again, with layered vocals that remind the ear of Pupil Slicer’s Dim Morning Light. Carefully crafted harmonies that sit high in the mix season the experience, and once again prove to the listener that Lavin is a standout amongst the masses. Sit and listen: a master of her craft is in the making, and she is only just getting started. Track two, Anguish, features a welcome feature from Parisian hardcore band Calcine, with frontwoman Em Stef stepping out of her comfort zone to lay down a remarkable clean vocal alongside her ever-distinctive shout. Combining forces to create what is essentially a metalcore duet, both voices trade off beautifully against one another. A first for the band, and an indication that there is more to their sound than many might anticipate. Choosing to put egos aside and make the most of what they have on offer, where other bands may relegate a feature to a simple refrain, this feature elevates the track to the rafters.
The Merseyside quartet has excelled itself with this release. Building upon the groundwork laid before them with their debut EP and creating something that surpasses expectations, Rozemary is assuredly carving their name into the UK metalcore sphere. With hooks for days and stellar craftsmanship, there is plenty for you to bite into. With “It’s Harder Now To Breathe”, the path is set: from the Wirral to the stars.
FFO: Dying Wish, The Callous Daoboys, Static Dress
SCORE: 8/10
It’s Harder Now To Breathe is out now on all streaming platforms, released independently.
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