Brisbane’s indie rock scene has a compelling force in Faisal Ryan, whose mid-June 2026 release offers a brilliant snapshot of atmospheric, emotionally heavy songwriting. Clocking in at just over 13 minutes, the 4-track project, ‘When It Was Beautiful’, balances nostalgic alternative textures with a distinctively modern, forward-looking perspective on life's chaotic and fleeting moments.
The EP opens with 'Blue Hands', a track that Faisal describes as raw, relentless, and unapologetically raw. It’s a track that establishes immediate momentum, fusing heavy, cathartic power chords with subtle digital overtones. Lyrically, the song tackles modern disillusionment, delivering a snarling rebuttal to “dead-end jobs, chemical burnout, and the slow suffocation of the 9-to-5 grind.” By blending jagged guitar parts with a polished indie production style, Ryan kicks things off with a highly explosive energy.
From there, the record shifts smoothly into 'She Sighs'. Making an instant mark through thumping percussion that easily recalls mid-2000s indie-rock trends, the track quickly evolves into a pop-punk infused anthem. It features bright, sun-kissed melodies, choppy guitar rhythms, and memorable call-and-response vocal lines throughout each chorus.
The emotional weight deepens with 'I’ll Find You', a slower, more deliberate cut that leans heavily into atmospheric soundscapes. The song relies on overdriven guitars to build a sweeping, grunge sound that pairs with Faisal’s vocals perfectly, offering a great contrast to the quicker tempos on the record.
The EP culminates with 'Retro Blonde', a blistering alternative rock track that fuses the raw, unfiltered energy of the 90s grunge explosion with a modern, razor-sharp edge. Hitting with the force of a freight train, the song relies on fuzzy guitars, pounding drums, and Ryan’s distinctively weathered vocals to deliver the immediate, visceral punch associated with classic alternative rock.
While the project is brief, it succeeds by packing a massive amount of sonic variety into a short runtime. The transitions are fluid, and the production maintains a cohesive identity even as Ryan bounces between sub-genres. It stands as a sharp showcase of DIY indie rock, blending the melodic sensibilities of 90s alternative with a restless, contemporary edge.
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