CREOSubtitles for X, Y, Z

Honing in on the themes of desperation, despair and the ongoing search for a light at the end of a confusing tunnel have permeated the realms of anguished emo-rock since its inception. Reinventing the wheel doesn’t come easy however, in a phenomenon (yes, referring the ‘emo-revival’) that has seen bands reignite an appreciation for old tricks, as well as on Subtitles for X, Y, Z, CREO have tapped into the bittersweet in the best way possible, teetering on the verge of pure hope and heart tugging in dread that reverberates in a beautiful mess of vulnerability.

Opener, Behind the Beat’s distant percussive accents and guitars that scream of a slow-burning hazey euphoria that are equal parts Brand New and U2, culminate in an epic narrative scope, conditioning listeners for the blistering emotional journey ahead.

A bombastic sound that has landed at the perfect equilibrium between substance and style is what sets Subtitles for X, Y, Z from it’s many contemporaries. Reminiscent of Turnover’s most recent releases but an awareness of past stadium rock antics and current indie trend-setters like Gang of Youths poses a dreaminess amplified in the tracks Give Me Yours and June. Closer Too Many Thousand & 16 (how’s that for a song title) is a palpitating plea for new life whilst stuck in a heart-bleeding rut—a beautiful end to the genuinely moving experience.

CREO have clearly succeeded in presenting an aptitude for crafting alternative rock that is both eclectic and jovial yet deeply sombre and introspective. Fans of Australian music will be living in the reign of CREO imminently.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Behind The Beat, Give Me Yours, Too Many Thousand & 16
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Sorority Noise, Gang of Youths & Brand New