Victoria’s own Blush. have officially stepped out of the rehearsal room and into the light—or perhaps more accurately, into the flickering, moody shadows of their first studio-recorded EP. Arriving today, 'In the Grey' marks a definitive shift for the British Columbian outfit, moving away from the raw, live-off-the-floor energy of their early work towards something far more calculated and immersive.
The five-day session took place at The Hive on Vancouver Island, helmed by JUNO Award-winning producer Colin Stewart. Known for his work with Black Mountain and Destroyer, Stewart’s influence is felt in the record’s expansive architecture. While the band’s DNA remains rooted in the crunchy textures of ’90s alternative and the ethereal wash of shoegaze, there is a newfound folk sensibility and a haunting electronic pulse that keeps the listener slightly off-balance.
Frontman Anton Wilson views the collection as a sonic photograph, capturing a specific window of time for the group. “The 'In the Grey' EP is like a timestamp from a moment in our lives, built in between periods of growth, change, and stagnation,” Wilson explains. “It’s where we once were, forever trapped in a record, and represents a greater conversation, which is our friendship. I wonder if the meaning of these songs will change and grow with us.”
While previous singles 'Seasons' and 'Wrong Answers Only' toyed with fuzzed-out momentum, the EP’s focus track, 'Nice', dives into a murkier pool. It is a brooding, deliberate piece of music that highlights the band’s ability to use silence as effectively as noise. Drummer Eric Josephs notes that the track serves as the anchor for the project’s darker inclinations.
“‘Nice’ is an exploration of contradictions. It leans into a moodiness that allows each instrument to open its jaw and clamp down on a heavy song,” says Josephs.
Ultimately, 'In the Grey' succeeds because it refuses to pick a side. It thrives in the middle ground between quiet reflection and guitar-heavy catharsis, proving that Blush. are at their best when they are leaning into the unknown.
You can listen to 'In the Grey now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms. To keep up with the band’s journey and upcoming tour dates, head over to the band's website, or catch them on Instagram and TikTok.
