fearofmakingout Intertwines Worlds on New EP ‘Secret Third Thing’
Arizona-based fearofmakingout is painting its own narrative in Alternative, Rock, and Indie. The genre-fusing group, constructed of four members (Cesar Cruz, Jacob Kellen, Marissa Harrington, and Ryan Moreno), captures ear-catching sounds in every offering, no matter the feeling or fundamental sound represented. A notable facet is the ongoing influences they take and mold into their own, becoming more evident with each release, seemingly spanning from hip-hop to classic rock. Now returning for their 2022 project, fearofmakingout drops Secret Third Thing.
The seven-track project finds new roads for the group while staying cohesive in the peculiar textures they've created. Track one, "starter," immediately drew me in with a mix of guitar and synth characters beneath reminiscent vocal lines, inducing a musical craving they produced and fulfilled in the 3-minute run time. Track two, "floor 20," endures indie and psych-rock goodness, sonically placing listeners in a completely different headspace and reality with delicate vocals across dusty guitar notes. The 2021 released "VISTA" continues to stand out, a getaway song from life. "stonerman" plays as an interlude that takes notes of the great names in rock music, although flipping a vibe to match both lofi and gleaming nature. The following two tracks, "b4ckup" and "bodies," are previous 2022 singles that both add to the mix. The first contains more of an energetic pop aura with SAIAH, while the latter pokes at a dreamy pop aesthetic aimed at breaking free and metaphorically floating away. The outro, "Tuscon," delivers the hip-hop influence in drums and vocals while asking for company in a newfound detachment.
If you have yet to listen to fearofmakingout, this project makes for a great introduction. Stream Secret Third Thing below.