PREMIERE: Residual’s EP ‘Haunt’ Is Your New Favourite 4-Track

With an impressive self-titled debut EP and a growing list of golden tour moments under their belts, Victorian indie-rockers Residual have done themselves proud with their latest EP. ‘Haunt’ is a collection of four tracks you won’t soon forget!

Shoegaze guitar and soft vocals lend an intimate feeling to the opening of title-track Haunt before the drums kick in, driving the track into a rock-heavy realm. Frontman Sam Burtt displays impressive versatility early on, easily transitioning from sweet and emotive to punchy and powerful. The chorus hits and the track explodes with energy, reaching towards its full anthemic potential like a blend of Kings of Leon and The Temper Trap. The classic rock combination of guitar, drums, and unapologetic vocals is the EP’s staple, and a strong one at that.

The vocal intimacy of Haunt returns in High Strung, backed by an intricate combination of sweet violins and dramatic piano. Thanks to hard-hitting drums and electric guitar, it’s not long before the anthemic energy rebuilds, sweeping away any early pretence of gentleness before the chorus brings it right back in beautiful contrast.

“The chorus hits and the track explodes with energy, reaching towards its full anthemic potential like a blend of Kings of Leon and The Temper Trap.”

During moments of sparsity, the warmth and richness of Burtt’s voice shines through, coupled with the confusing lyrical passion of lines like, “Don’t pretend you’re not the enemy/You’re too high-strung, I don’t know anything but/All I know and all I’ll ever need is you.” A complex tapestry of harmonies proves the ideal way to finish an infectious refrain, and a fitting final piece of the puzzle.

Built on a scenic soundscape, All For You is bursting with potential energy. The wait for the chorus breakdown is sweetened by the pure emotion in Burtt’s vocal performance as the guitar fulfils the track’s every early promise. The second verse takes on a loveable indie-rock flow alongside its classic drum rhythm while rough guitar contrasts ever-clean vocal flow in the chorus. An endless collection of contrasts, this track is made for fans of The Killers and Matchbox 20.

Final track Silver and Gold takes an unexpected turn with a sweet, country style almost reminiscent of a Keith Urban track. Fingerpicked guitar makes for a delicate framework beneath the vocals, Burtt delivering another sweet, unassuming performance that will have fans of Passenger and Paolo Nutini weak at the knees. A steady pace throughout offsets the heavy guitar breakdown, balancing emotion with performance edge and finishing a stand-out EP with class and restraint.

Check out Residual’s ‘Haunt’ EP below!

Residual Live Dates

WED 25 AUG
Brighton Up Bar, Sydney