‘After Everything Else’ by The Breathing Method is a powerful album that takes us through the edges of adulthood. Hailing from the West Coast of Scotland, the band delivers a look at life’s struggles with a sound that combines hard rock, post-grunge, and punk influences. Every track feels like an open journal entry, brimming with energy, emotion, and grit.
The album opens with “Hope for a Better Day”, a track that grabs you with its buzzing intro and builds into something urgent. On top of that sound, a man talks about the realities of being a musician is striking – honest and surprisingly uplifting. When the instruments fully kick in, the song becomes a powerful declaration of purpose, with Scott Booth’s voice pulling it all together.
“All Of My Dreams” keeps the momentum going, starting with an extended instrumental intro that lets the drums and bass take the spotlight. There’s something hypnotic about the bassline; it adds a trippy, almost psychedelic texture to the track. I loved the choice to hold off on vocals for nearly a minute, giving the instruments their due. It’s one of those tracks that makes you stop and appreciate the band’s chemistry.
With “Secrets”, the tone shifts slightly, leaning into punk influences. The guitar intro is sharp and unapologetic, setting the stage for a track that’s brimming with defiance. It’s a great example of how The Breathing Method balances rawness with a sense of structure.
“Demons” turned out to be an unexpected favorite. I was gearing up for a heavy, aggressive track based on the title, but it opens with a beautiful acoustic arrangement. The shift in pacing and tone mid-album is a welcome surprise. It’s one of those songs that creeps into your head and stays there.
The transition into “Unbearable” is jarring but intentional. The heavy riffs hit like a sledgehammer, making this one of the heaviest track on the album. While it’s not entirely my style, I can’t deny its intensity or the way it contrasts with “Demons”. It’s a hard pivot that keeps you on your toes.
“Tragic Confusion” is another standout, with its slower tempo and introspective lyrics. Lines like, “It’s been so long since I have seen you face to face” are delivered with a sincerity that feels deeply personal. The guitar solo brings a touch of emotion without taking over the track. The song encourages us to reflect on its meaning even after it’s finished.
Closing the album, “Jupiter” brings back the energy with tight riffs and a sense of urgency. It’s a fitting end, though the surprise silence(for almost 3 minutes!) and the brief snippet of gibberish didn’t convince me. I can’t decide if it’s a clever inside joke or just there to frustrate listeners, but it certainly leaves an impression.
Overall, The Breathing Method’s debut album ‘After Everything Else’ is a portrayal of life’s highs and lows. It doesn’t try to dress up its themes or smooth out its edges, which makes it all the more engaging.
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