Song Review:: 8TURN: BRUISE

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  • Release date: 2026 January 28
  • Album tracklist: BRUISE
  • Album runtime: 3 minutes

 I really like it when the smaller groups actually take a visit to my city because then I get to advocate on personal, live experience rather than just "they're good on video and in the recording booth." They worked well with the crowd, they feel like they're comfortable on stage, and they're not afraid to say (paraphrased) "You guys kind of have a reputation and I'm happy to be wrong." The vibe is good with them, in other words. If you get the chance, go see them. They put on a really good concert.

I'm going to start off with saying that the instrumental is weirdly muted. Not in volume, because it's actually pretty well balanced there, but more in the voice of the song. I keep hearing instruments and notes that aren't there. There's a very fierce song somewhere in this song. Now, that being said, what is present in the song is fascinating. There's a lightness to the intensity that has shifts between the wonderfully low thump of the keyboard that holds the song in place and the skittering beat accompanied by the electric guitar that occasionally comes out to play and shiver where it's buried within the rest of the instruments. I wish it was heavier in places to help counter the vocals, but I'm not displeased by what is here.

Vocally, I have no notes. This song does literally everything I could want. I've got vibrato from multiple members instead of just one. There is at least one belt. There are multiple little vocals runs and vocalizations. The only thing I'm really missing are distinct harmonizations or cool bits of vocal layering, but there are a couple of spots, where I may be hearing multiple members. I wish they could get more attention for their vocals because that is top tier.

There is a lot of choreography in this music video, but there's also quite a bit of storyline. It's just a good time all around.

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