REVIEW: Magnolia Park - ‘MoonEater’ / ‘SoulEater’ EP

Aug 30

Orlando-based band Magnolia Park is back with a musical offering that transcends genres and breaks boundaries. Their latest double EP release, MoonEater & SoulEater, is a testament to their versatility, creativity, and commitment to pushing the envelope. With their unique fusion of hip-hop, hard rock, pop-punk, and alt-pop, the EPs capture both the lighter and darker aspects of their sound, marking a significant milestone in their journey as a band.

Magnolia Park's musical journey is characterized by their bold experimentation and growth. The EPs highlight their willingness to blend genres and explore new sonic territories.
MoonEater delves into a dark and ethereal realm, drawing inspiration from metalcore with crushing breakdowns and distorted guitars. The EP also incorporates trap production and alt-rap fundamentals, exemplified by the hit single "Do Or Die" featuring rapper Ethan Ross. On the other hand, SoulEater introduces a brighter mood with uplifting lyrics, employing textured alt-pop production and dreamy synth soundscapes reminiscent of the 2000s pop-punk bands that influenced them. The lead single from MoonEater, "Breathing," exhibits a heavier side of Magnolia Park's sound. On the flip side, SoulEater introduces "Blud Luv", a synth-laden alternative dance track that features keyboardist Vince Ernst on vocal duties alongside Joshua Roberts. The music videos for these singles creatively visualize the band's distinct soundscapes.

The members of Magnolia Park bring their personal experiences to their music, making their tracks as thought-provoking as they are accessible. Their debut album Baku's Revenge (2022) showcased their depth beyond being labeled a "TikTok band". Their standalone singles following the album release further emphasized their talent for catchy melodies and guitar hooks. Magnolia Park is not just a band; they're on a mission to create a more inclusive rock space. Comprising majority Black & Latino musicians, the band's existence serves as a statement against racial backlash. Through their music and their connection with a core audience of over 700K followers on TikTok, they are inspiring the next generation of rock bands to overcome obstacles and thrive.
With an exciting headlining tour on the horizon and a creative journey that knows no limits, Magnolia Park's trajectory promises a bright and impactful future in the world of music.