Paradise Fears – Battle Scars EP
Reviewed by Haley Black
Paradise Fears are a rare breed in the music industry. They are an inspiration in all aspects of their music, and their personalities shine through in every single lyric, melody, and harmony. The six piece from the small town of Vermilion, South Dakota grow with every new track that they release. Battle Scars is an authentic representation of what this band is all about.
The EP is introduced by one of Sam Miller’s signature monologues. Similar to spoken word poetry/rapping, Miller delivers an uplifting, heartfelt speech saying, “This is a call to arms for the poets that are inside of us. This is shedding our skin and breaking the chains that are binding us.” There couldn’t be a more perfect way to set the entire mood for the EP. After you listen to first minute and 30 seconds of the album, you immediately realize that you are in store for something eternally awe-inspiring.
The singalong style chorus of “What Are You Waiting For?” will be ringing in your ears after first listen with the precise beat of the drums and acoustic measures. If you haven’t viewed the music video yet, you’re missing out on Paradise Fears at their finest as they assist fans as they cross items off of their personal bucket lists. Watch the video here.
“Warrior” is an anthem powerful enough to make the weakest person seem strong in the darkest of times, preaching that “To not have some battle scars is to never have lived.” This specific track has quite a bit of synth, but it positively showcases that Paradise Fears are capable or producing a lot of variety throughout each individual song.
Of course what kind of a record would this be without at least one love song? “Lullaby” embodies the appropriate amount of charming, captivating lyrics to balance out the perfect love ballad about missing someone. “Fought For Me” follows directly after, expressing the opposite message, which is obviously the frustration and disappointment of heartbreak, having a significant other fail to reciprocate and give 100% in a relationship.
Having such deep, meaningful lyrics with the musicality to match is an artform that is insanely difficult to master, but Paradise Fears make it appear easy. They are truly wise beyond their years and their level of talent is infinite. Also, collaborating with Brian Dales’ and having his backup vocals on the majority of the tracks is definitely the icing on top of the Battle Scars cake.
Making the decision to extend the EP to 8 songs was a very wise decision, and I’m sure many people will agree with me when I say that I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this band. They have only just begun, and they are one of the most dedicated, hard working group of passionate dreamers I have witnessed in the music industry. From when I met ⅓ of the band outside of a show two summers ago following a tour just to let fans in line listen to their demos, it has been extremely exciting to watch them and their music mature over the last couple years. I am certain that they have nowhere to go but up.
Recommended Tracks: “What Are You Waiting For?” and “Lullaby”
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
