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Photo: Nicholas O'Donnell

London-based trio Frozemode, comprised of I.V.GATLIN, Cho-Hollo, and Lisong, continues to make waves with the release of their latest EP, DEMODE 2. The record is a testament to the trio's eclectic and chameleonic style, mixing high-octane, energetic alternative hip-hop with punk, grime, trap, alt-rock, drill, and classic rock elements. 

Starting with "ASBO BOYS," Frozemode buckles up listeners as a collage of catchy, distorted guitar riffs, fast-paced percussion, and siren sound effects race down a sonic speedway. On the sarcastic anthem, an acronym for "Anti-Social Behaviour Order," they stand up to stereotypes and criticism and confidently claim that contrary to popular belief, they've never engaged in any antisocial behavior and hold strong principles. They tackle claims of imitation head-on, poking fun at those who judge them or paint them as nothing more than "chavs" without really knowing their story. They share their rise from modest roots to success, address jabs about their looks, and brush off those who pretend to be tough but aren't. 

"BLACK HOLE" is a warning about how quick, ephemeral thrills affect long-term mental well-being. Using a vibrant mix of house and jungle, it has an upbeat yet sinister and claustrophobic feeling. As the song's paranoia grows, the group boxes the listener's brain into the inescapable perturbation the song generates.

Zooming through the Naruto-inspired "Kurama" and the intimidating "MANDEM NAH," the record closes with its most exhilarating track, "NO ASSUMPTIONS." The tempo hits listeners at top speed, blending the raw energy of punk with the rhythmic poetry of rap, and the result is dazzling. Euphonic and anthemic, paired with an upbeat, hardcore, and near-crunk beat and lyrics that touch on the trials and tribulations of life, the track is one hell of an outro.

DEMODE 2 is drenched with passion, emotion, and furious energy throughout, and it is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining listen from a group taking their first tentative steps in the scene. This body of work, although short, is an impactful collection that captures the energy of their live shows, tempting listeners to hit the replay button over and over again. 

Listen to DEMODE 2 below: