An Exorcise in Anger is the debut EP from Alexandra Leaving. The London artist explores the term ‘female rage’ on her first extended release and highlights how nuanced anger can be. Especially in reaction to different situations. As to be expected, it is at times explosive, other times bubbling with tension, but results in an introduction that definitely leaves an impression.
‘Bite’ kicks off the EP with a wandering guitar riff that sets the tone: dark, brooding, ready to erupt. We don’t have to wait long to witness this as the track fills the room with a massive noise full of beefy chords and thunderous drums. With Alex’s vocals shouting over lyrics of not succumbing to emotions, it’s a wonderclass in showing restraint while the song is determined to become unhinged. It makes for a great start to the EP.
‘Pretty Suspicious’ follows with another heavy instrumental that reminds me of the 90s Grunge era. Having read Mark Lanegan’s Sing Backwards & Weep recently, the Screaming Trees are at the forefront of my mind, and the chaotic guitars sound like something they would have created. It is loud and full of cathartic moments, that are satisfying to scream along to. Where ‘Bite’ felt like an attempt to keep things inside, this song feels like a real letting go of emotion.
‘Hardball’ reigns in the guitars to deliver a chugging riff that builds the tension behind Alex’s vocals, that are almost spoken word as they sit barely above the instrumental. It’s a more reflective tune, that doesn’t throw everything in your face but offers a more atmospheric sound. Sending riffs and melodies to the side to create this outro that feels so well-rounded. It’s great to hear.
‘These Scars’ closes out the EP with a final, anthemic listen. It is loaded with more distorted riffs but comes with a groove, adding a real strut to the mix. It is a defiant tune that embraces the scars left by bad times, and moves forward in a way that makes you think that yeah, this is pretty badass.
As you can probably tell, I really like this EP. An Exorcise in Anger is great. It feels like an assured and complete record. Offering a listen that’s full of great tracks and loads of explosive, hard-hitting moments. It is unhinged and unstable in parts that keeps it unpredictable but comes with lyrics that feel like they’ve been reflected on. Anger is a sword held in a hand that hurts but is a powerful tool to have when you don’t allow it to be swung right away, and this EP feels like a big swing.