Trust Devoured is the new release from pMad, a neat little EP from that comes out of the collaborative Exquisite Corpses project. It’s a creative experiment where three artists (pMad, Lunar Paths, and Killtoys) each ran with their own creative instincts in a collaborative group, without knowing what the others were doing. It’s a bit like Chinese whispers, and to be honest, it works surprisingly well. The three songs here feel different but connected, and it’s clear everyone involved really cared about the outcome.
The opener “Celestial” kicks things off with a driving instrumental that feels like it could’ve soundtracked an early 2000s film. My initial thoughts went to early The Killers stuff, but gloomier. The vocals move at their own slower pace, a little bit of distortion, and that contrast gives the track a bit of tension that keeps you hooked. There’s something kind of hypnotic about how the lyrics repeat too. It also helps you to feel comfortable with the track fairly quickly.
“Closer” is probably my favourite. It’s slower, more spaced out, and really leans into the atmosphere. The drums are steady and moody, and the whole track just has this calming, almost trance-like feel. It doesn’t try to do too much, and that works in its favour.
The final track, “Feed,” is what I thought was the most intense of the bunch. It’s darker, with more of an industrial edge and a bit more lyrical bite. This one’s got some weight to it, both sonically and thematically, and feels like the emotional anchor of the EP. I can imagine it being especially powerful in a live setting, big drums, big feelings.
All in all, Trust Devoured is a cool little snapshot of what happens when some really talented artists get creative and just trust the process. It’s not trying to be flashy, but it is thoughtful, well-produced, and full of atmosphere. If you’re into darker alt-rock or post-punk vibes, this is worth checking out.
The whole premise of this project is what art is supposed to be. It’s when people are free and pushing themselves that we get new, fresh, unexpected results. Well done guys on pushing boundaries and getting out of your comfort zones! You’ve a solid EP to show for it.
Trust Devoured devours the score meter with a 7.5 out of 10
pMad on Bandcamp: https://pmad.bandcamp.com
Lunar Paths on Bandcamp: https://lunarpaths.bandcamp.com
Killtoys on Bandcamp: https://killtoys.bandcamp.com/
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography