Have you ever heard a record and just know it’s about to be on repeat? Yeah, this is one of those. PHWOAR’s debut EP “Flowers Through the Concrete” is a jolt of adrenaline and emotion packed into five tracks that cut through the noise with grit, honesty and infectious energy. Hailing from Birmingham, this indie rock duo, Helena on drums and Paul on guitar, both sharing vocal duties have crafted something that feels raw and intentional. It’s an electrifying introduction to a band that isn’t afraid to be loud, vulnerable, and most importantly, real.
The opening track “Reckless” kicks the door in with a storm of fuzzy guitars, pounding drums and a chorus that burrows into your brain from the first listen. The vocals are delivered with such conviction that you can’t help but scream along by the second chorus. It’s the kind of song that demands to be played loud and then louder.
“Surge” follows with an equally explosive energy. There’s an undercurrent of righteous fury in the lyrics, bolstered by razor-sharp production that lets every drum snap and guitar riff land with full impact. It’s a protest song wrapped in a danceable punk-rock shell. It’s clever, catchy and unflinchingly bold.
Then comes the emotional center of the EP, “Waiting for the Sun”. Slower and more introspective, it reveals the band’s sensitive side without losing their signature edge. The instrumentation gives space for the lyrics to breathe and when Helena’s vocals come in, it elevates the track into something truly special. It’s haunting, hopeful and heartbreakingly beautiful.
The title track is a poetic gut-punch. It’s all about resilience, pushing through the cracks of a broken world with bruised optimism. The drumming is some of the strongest on the record, it’s tight, dynamic and full of character and the lyrics leave a lasting impression that lingers long after the final note.
Closing the EP is “Tryhard” a smart and snarky anthem that channels frustration into swagger. With clever wordplay and punchy rhythms, it ties the EP together with a confident sneer. One of the best tracks of this record.
In just 16 minutes, this duo delivers a fully realized statement of who they are, unapologetically loud, fiercely DIY and impossible to ignore. This EP is more than just a debut, it’s a declaration of intent. And if this is just the beginning, the future looks very loud indeed.