With their latest EP Waste Away, Nova Scotia-based Human Missile Crisis proves they are more than a cheeky moniker (seriously, I love the name) with a new EP containing two heartfelt punk-rock bangers. In “Snakes In The Grass” and “Mona Lisa”, this Canadian trio weaves together thoughtful tunes that are both well-constructed and rich with meaning.
‘Snakes In The Grass’ carries with it a very upbeat energy, full of punchy and intricate basslines that pair with warm, bright guitar chords and smooth, driving percussion. The band’s frontman, DJ Vaters, writes that this song was inspired by a warning sign he saw in Osoyoos, British Columbia, while walking through a vineyard. There is a tension between wariness and weariness in the vocal themes of this song, as the cautionary lyrics of the chorus warn the listener to beware of those who might betray or backstab them.
‘Mona Lisa’ hits just as hard, but with a different vibe. With a slow, steady build towards a heavy-hitting rock and roll chorus, there’s a layer of punk-folk solidarity that feels deeply relatable. The band writes that this song is for “the blue-collar shift worker, the touring musician, the person who’s up working at those god-awful hours of the night because nobody else wants to do the job that has to be done”. It’s easy to imagine jumping into the pit and singing along with everyone else when the chorus hits.
I left this EP very impressed with Human Missile Crisis and eager to catch them live sometime. It’s one of those recordings that has so much authenticity and warmth that I felt like I was right in the studio with them. Check out Waste Away, and I think you’ll feel it too, and keep an eye out for what else these Canadian rockers are up to as we trudge our way through this winter season and enter the new year.
Written by Cassie Toby
