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AVOID just dropped a six-track EP titled Creature of Habit. It’s everything you expect from this band — heavy, hard-hitting beats with aggressive vocals. As most bands do with new EPs or albums, songs are often released individually to build excitement leading up to the full release. Starting last October, three of the tracks had already been released: “Burn,” “If It Hurts,” and “Sour Apple.” The new tracks we’ve received are “The Song of the Summer,” “Over Now,” and “Song 2.”

I really like “The Song of the Summer.” Maybe I’m biased because this one features Colorblind. I’m a sucker for collaborations between artists. I love that they recognize that while on their own they can make great music, working with other amazing musicians allows them to create even more than expected. I also think it’s ironic to have a track named this because normally when a song is nicknamed or associated with summer, one’s mind automatically thinks something pop-y, catchy, and upbeat. This song and its lyrics are absolutely the opposite. The way this is playfully contrasted makes it so fun, especially because my favorite lyric line is, “I don’t know if it’s gonna be alright, even if I say it’s a good time,” because isn’t that what reality is? I grew up with movies like “High School Musical” and shows like “Phineas and Ferb,” where summer vacation is supposed to be mind-blowingly cool with adventures, romance, and drama—but that’s not what it is. It’s supposed to hopefully be a time of fun in the sun, but that usually just means sunburns or working. Let’s face it: once you hit adulthood, “summer vacation” is a figment of the imagination.

Similarly, the band has stated that this EP is meant to be like that. It’s a culmination of everything they’ve gone through together—the ups and downs, and everything in between. Like social media, people only see what others want them to see. There is so much more that people struggle and fight with that isn’t plastered all over pages because, let’s face it, like the media we consume, we also want to remain “cool” and make others think that’s how life is. No—life is messy. I applaud AVOID for taking this step to be more open, honest, authentic, and vulnerable with their fanbase. It’s not easy to do this well and proudly without shame. Struggles are not something we should be ashamed of; pushing through them and conquering fears are accomplishments that show just how strong you can be, even with obstacles blocking your path. You are not alone in your fights.

Each of these new tracks is a blast to the ears and lends a different kind of hardness while still maintaining a consistent sound that is unmistakably AVOID. They definitely know their sound and what they want to be known for. That’s rare these days, as some artists feel the need to pivot 180 degrees to keep their fanbase happy. No, I want bands to find their sound and grow from there. If you started off heavy, stay heavy. I do not need you to become some weird EDM-pop, generic-sounding boy band. I’m not calling anyone out—don’t come for me—but I want bands to create the music they want without feeling pressured to please anyone. I appreciate that AVOID has acknowledged this, experimenting with some newer sounds while staying in touch with their roots, which makes them who they are as a group. I want this. Stay like this!

Anyways, AVOID’s new EP is punch-y and grabs you by the throat— give it a listen! It’s currently streaming everywhere!

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