previous releases. The introduction to the album, “The Eighth Gate,” makes the ambitious approach to this EP very clear. With powerful reverb-laden guitars bringing you in softly to what becomes a heavy, deep and melancholy wall of sound, you will feel the intensity that Courtesy Drop is respected for.

 

Many people give great praise to acts that utilize both male and female vocals, and if you’re one of those people, then this release has some treats in store for you. The third and fourth tracks, “Space and Interaction” and “Beauty is in the Eyes of the Imperfect”, brilliantly combine both vocalists’ finest moments under the highlights of the ominous sorrow that Courtesy Drop has mastered.

 

“Pegasus” is a strong outro for the EP since it really highlights the band’s prominent instrumentals and intricate lyricism. I think the reason I love it so much as the final track is because the ending is staged as the grand finale of the greatest tragedy play ever performed. With a powerful, dark, swinging feel followed by a grim display of guitar delays and feedback, it’s a beautiful ending to a very dark release.

 

Stabilize can be described quite easily as a depressing effort, but there are glimmering moments throughout it which give it a hopefulness that keeps you pressing towards the end. While I give it credit for having those glimmers, I wouldn’t recommend listening to it in the front seat of your car in the middle of a rainy night. It might just be a little too real for that ride.