We’ve all been there—you’re trying to unwind with a casual game at the bowling alley, but the folks on the next lane are anything but chill. They’re loud, chaotic, and seem to be more focused on making noise than hitting strikes. But if those neighbors turned out to be RIVERSLEEM, converting the alley into an impromptu screamo gig, would you really mind?
RIVERSLEEM just dropped the music video for their track “Exit Essential Dread,” and trust me, it’s a strike in every sense of the word.
Directed by the talented Dylan Hryciuk of Versa Films, the mastermind behind videos for SPIRITBOX and SENSES FAIL, among many others, this video showcases the band doing what they do best—shredding riffs and belting out raw, cathartic lyrics—all while tearing it up on a bowling lane.
The video’s chaotic yet somehow cohesive energy perfectly mirrors the essence of “Exit Essential Dread.”
The band describes the track as a product of various ideas and compositional elements that initially felt overwhelming but eventually coalesced into something both powerful and poignant.
“This was the last song that we wrote for the EP and it came together from a combination of various ideas and compositional parts that at first felt overwhelming, but as the structure of it began to evolve and become more redefined, and feels more cohesive than ever.
Lyrically the song is about personal reflection and the reconciliation with needing to reach out for help. It uses this idea of a “twin projection” or a rear projection from a film projector and screen to project what is viewed to the audience on the outside, alluding that something different might exist on the interior. We’d like to think that by the end of the song, there is an emotional decompression that lets out any resenting or repressed feelings, of course in the form of a breakdown.”
This release is just one part of their ongoing Western Canada tour, where the band has been spreading their ear shattering riffs far and wide. If you’re in the area, here’s where you can catch them next:
– August 9th – Vancouver, BC – Red Gate Arts Society
– August 10th – Victoria, BC – Little Fernwood
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This summer, RIVERSLEEM has been hard at work writing new material for their upcoming EP. The band members, who are scattered across the country, have finally reunited for this tour, making each show a celebration of both music and camaraderie.
For those who have been following RIVERSLEEM since we featured them on IDIOTEQ last fall, you’ll know that this band refuses to be pigeonholed.
Their last EP, released on Zegema Beach Records, was a fiery blend of punk, hardcore, grind, and screamo, with each track pushing the boundaries of what post-hardcore can be.
And let’s not forget the other bangers they’ve been jamming to lately. We’re keeping a space here for the band’s top music recommendations from this year. Check out below.
INFANT ISLAND‘s new album Obsidian Wreath has been one of my favourite releases across all genres this year. So much intense, emotional, and intelligent blending of sounds. Stimulating on all levels. – Kurt
The new KNOCKED LOOSE album is so sonically dense, and is all killer no filler, and huge inspo! – Drew
The latest OLTH album every day is sOmeOne’s speciaL day is the shape of scream to come – Kyle
The latest KEN Mode album VOID has amazing presence, structure, and is just so powerful. They are such an inspiring local connection. – Connor.
