Pleaides – “If Your Roots Run Deep, You Can’t Fear The Wind” (REVIEW)

Pleiades return with a sharpened focus and an undeniable sense of momentum on their new EP “If Your Roots Run Deep, You Can’t Fear The Wind”. It marks their first full release since 2023’s acclaimed debut album, Affinity With, the EP sees the Manchester based post-hardcore outfit refining their signature blend of cathartic energy and intricate musicianship. Recorded with No Studio (Pijn, Bossk), this is Pleiades at their most urgent and dynamic.

Opener “SK4/SK7” wastes no time, launching full-throttle into a propulsive, high-energy barrage of interwoven guitars and frontman Andy’s soaring vocals. The band’s chemistry is razor-sharp, each element slotting into place effortlessly. While the track brims with relentless momentum, moments of restraint allow for a necessary breath before the next gut-punch lands. The drumming, both intricate and punishing, underpins the track’s raw intensity—what a way to kick things off.

From there, the EP explores a range of textures without losing cohesion. “CV5” offers a more measured opening, swirling around intricate guitar lines before swelling into something grander. “LA1 (Left Aimless)” is a delicate yet emotionally searing piece that highlights the band’s vulnerability. The vocal harmonies are rich, the guitars punchy yet controlled, and the choruses soar with a newfound confidence. Everything here feels bigger, more refined, more elevated.

The brief instrumental “YO31 (Years Overnight)” serves as a reflective pause, tugging at the heartstrings before the record’s final moments. It’s a testament to Pleiades’ ability to balance heaviness with genuine emotional weight.

To mark the release, the band is taking If Your Roots Run Deep, You Can’t Fear The Wind on an intimate tour through their hometowns, performing in venues that hold personal significance to each member. It’s a fitting way to honour a record that feels deeply rooted in both place and emotion.

With this EP, Pleiades cement their place as one of the UK’s most compelling post-hardcore acts, capable of both brute force and breathtaking fragility.