Los Angeles-based pop-rock duo Senses returns with their electrifying new EP, i'm still breathing, which is out March 14, 2025, via Hopeless Records. It's a bold and emotionally charged collection that solidifies their place in the modern emo landscape.
Hot off a whirlwind year of relentless touring alongside artists like Charlotte Sands and Boys Like Girls, lead vocalist and guitarist Madison Taylor and drummer Nick Sampson have fine-tuned their sound into an explosive blend of unfiltered emotion, infectious hooks, and anthemic choruses. i'm still breathing captures their raw intensity and lyrical vulnerability, offering a compelling reflection on resilience, self-discovery, and personal battles fought in the face of adversity. Opening the EP with "diamonds on your dagger," the track takes Senses into new sonic territory, fusing pulsating energy with a darkly poetic lyricism. "diamonds on your dagger" explores the beauty found in hardship, embracing the concept that pain can lead to strength. With its sharp, punchy instrumentation and Taylor’s gripping vocal delivery, the song carries an almost cinematic feel—haunting and exhilarating but endlessly catchy. Arguably one of the most poignant songs on the EP, "stabilizer" tackles the highs and lows of mental health with raw honesty. Using the metaphor of a mood stabilizer, Senses crafts a song that resonates deeply with those navigating emotional turmoil. The chorus swells with anthemic urgency, mirroring the ongoing fight to find balance in a chaotic world. It’s a perfect example of the band’s ability to blend personal storytelling with arena-sized hooks. Taking a slightly moodier approach, "Pull Me Under" leans into atmospheric but punchy verses before exploding into a powerhouse chorus. The song delves into themes of feeling overwhelmed and seeking escape, yet ultimately finding the strength to push forward. This one is bound to be a fan favourite in a live setting, as its dynamic build-up makes for a euphoric crowd moment.
With a rush of high-energy guitars and Taylor’s signature soaring vocals, "every little thing" immediately sets the tone. The track balances its biting honesty with an undeniably catchy melody, channeling the frustration of wanting control over life’s constant unpredictability. It’s a quintessential Senses anthem: emotionally charged, rhythmically dynamic, and impossible not to sing along to.
With a pounding beat and a grittier, almost softer, pop-punk edge, "me against me" dives into the internal struggle of self-doubt and personal demons. The lyrics paint a portrait of a relentless inner battle, with Taylor’s voice carrying both the weight of self-inflicted pressure and the defiance to overcome it. Sampson’s drumming provides a driving force, making this track a standout for fans craving cathartic intensity.
Closing out the EP with an adrenaline-fueled declaration of triumph, "nosebleeds" serves as an anthem for underdogs and dreamers alike. The song pulsates with defiance, addressing the frustration of being underestimated while celebrating the sweet taste of proving doubters wrong. It’s an empowering and raucous finale, leaving listeners with a sense of exhilaration and victory.
With i'm still breathing, Senses delivers an unfiltered, high-energy EP that encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster of self-discovery and resilience. Each song brims with a potent mix of angst and hope, proving once again why the band has rapidly ascended in the alternative scene. Madison Taylor’s powerhouse vocals and Nick Sampson’s hard-hitting percussion provide a formidable foundation for their dynamic sound, while the deeply personal lyrics forge an undeniable connection with listeners.
As Senses continues to carve their place in the genre, i'm still breathing serves as a testament to their evolution and their unwavering dedication to crafting music that resonates. Whether you’re screaming along in your car, finding solace in the lyrics, or witnessing their electrifying live performances, this EP is a must-listen for fans of emotionally driven, anthemic rock. One thing’s for sure: Senses aren’t just still breathing—they’re thriving.
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