The minimalist yet intricate sound of Brno-based band whyohwhy takes center stage on their latest release. Rooted in slowcore and dream-pop, the group crafts a hauntingly beautiful sonic experience that feels both intimate and expansive. The dual vocals of Barbora Hora and Soňa Amran float above a lush blend of post-rock-inspired electric guitar, acoustic guitar with classical undertones, and a tight, inventive rhythm section. Their music isn’t just about sound—it’s about the emotional weight of navigating a patriarchal, late-capitalist world, underscored by natural and mythological motifs. The result is a project that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the final note.
The opening track, “Money,” sets the tone perfectly. With the striking line, “I used to count sheep, now I count money,” the band dives headfirst into the anxieties of adulthood and capitalism. The ghostly, horror-like instrumentals that follow mirror the loss of innocence and humanity in the face of consumption. It’s an unforgettable start that showcases the haunting interplay between Hora and Amran’s distinct vocals, leaving you intrigued and slightly unnerved in the best way.
“You” stands out as the most personal and heartbreaking track on the EP. Accompanied by a delicate acoustic guitar, the song’s melancholic lyrics, such as “you’re drawn to the sadness / like a dog to a bone,” cut deep with their raw honesty. There’s a bittersweet beauty to the sadness here, almost like a quiet acceptance of pain. It’s a song that lingers with you, not just for its poetic depth but for how tenderly it’s delivered. It’s my favorite track on the project. The third track, “Darker Place,” brings the EP’s themes full circle. It’s a visceral critique of the emptiness inherent in a society driven by capitalism and consumption, making it a fitting conclusion. The band’s ability to weave profound messages into their sound is complemented by the album’s strange, striking cover art, which hints at the project’s underlying sense of discomfort and unease. Whyohwhy has created a body of work that feels deeply relevant, emotionally resonant, and sonically captivating—a release that stays with you long after it ends.
Written by Nthatile Mavuso
