Kentucky based post-hardcore quintet, Picturesque have released their highly anticipated six-track EP, IYKYK (‘if you know, you know’) via Equal Vision Records. You can stream the EP here. The new collection marks the return of the band after a several year hiatus following their critically acclaimed sophomore LP, Do You Feel O.K?. Born out of a post-hardcore scene that’s often characterized more by aggression than accessibility, the five-piece steadfastly refuse to be boxed or pigeonholed, and they’re set on embracing musical tropes not traditionally associated with heavy music.
Speaking about the EP, the band said, “IYKYK is the culmination of a small group of people working to challenge the way this band and rock music can sound. Picturesque is constantly striving to never write the same song twice. We never want to sit still, and we never want to rest on our laurels. This EP is a product of that mindset and there is something for everyone who is a fan of rock music.”
Like most of the output from the band, the six tracks on IYKYK tell specific stories, but are also riddled with hidden meanings and secret references. One of the topics “Hopeless” deals with, for instance, is vocalist Kyle Hollis being taken away from his father when he was a child. It’s a harrowing subject matter that adds greatly to the fraught and frantic tension and emotion that permeates the song and the release as a whole. Picturesque is a formidable instrumental unit, but special attention must be given to lead singer and creative mastermind Hollis. Boasting one of the most dynamic voices in alternative music, his soaring vocals cascade through each of the six tracks with an impressive versatility. The lyrics throughout the EP feel deeply personal and utterly relatable, with Hollis providing a singular voice to emotions and experiences that will resonate differently for each listener.
IYKYK is a reminder to fans old and new that the band is relentless in their exploration of the sonic landscape of alternative music. Angular guitars swirl around elements of pop, post hardcore, hip hop and electronic music, highlighting the bands highly creative approach to songwriting.