Ep Review: Penumbra by Haunted Shoes

 Haunted Shoes’ latest EP, Penumbra, is a deeply resonant five-track exploration of emotional shadows, using the astronomical term for a partial shadow as its central metaphor to navigate anxiety, self-sabotage, and the heavy weight of relationships. The EP immediately confronts the paralyzing fear of potential failure in a crush on the opener, "This:", highlighted by the raw lyric, "What if my heart dies because of this, because I couldn't take the risk. Because I gave into fear." This theme of uncertainty continues in "Where This Goes," which thoughtfully dissects the distance created by unspoken feelings, though its emotional depth is slightly diminished by vocals that can sound monotonous.

​The EP finds its emotional peak with the standout track, "Blackout," a powerful anthem detailing the desperate desire to forget toxic memories and relationships, perfectly encapsulated by the line, "I won't be thinking of you while I’m in Blackout." The latter half of the record uses clever metaphors, such as the digital malfunction of "Error 404," before concluding with the title track, "Penumbra," which shifts toward the acceptance of hard truths: "Somethings don't have a why, somethings are true no matter how much you lie." Overall, Penumbra is a solid, thematically unified listen that excels through its striking, honest lyricism, establishing Haunted Shoes as a compelling voice for anyone grappling with emotional complexity. 



Stream Penumbra Here! 

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