EP REVIEW: Eville – BRAT METAL

Brighton Brat Metal trio Eville have appeared on multiple tour and festival lineups this year, including a slot on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds Festival. They’ve just further proven they deserved those opportunities with the release of their debut EP, BRAT METAL. 

Brat metal is the self-coined genre created by the trio. They are the two words that would instantly come to mind when listening to an Eville song. It is everything from Y2K to pink glitter gel pens to miniskirts, all wrapped in chaos. 

Opening the four-track EP is previously released BR4T MBL, the perfect track to have been the lead single. Featuring punchy autotuned vocals that nod to Charli XCX’s BRAT and an intro that wouldn’t be out of place on Bring Me the Horizon’s Post Human: Survival Horror, it is quite literally the definition of what Brat Metal should sound like.  

The catchy spelling out of ‘Brat Mobile’ builds anticipation as it leads up to the breakdown which gives a moment for Eva Sheldrake and Jude Richards to show off their brutal screams, which thankfully, we hear a lot of throughout the 4 tracks.  

A metaphor for dealing with jealousy and gossip, No Pictures Please is a bold middle finger to the people waiting for your downfall. It captures the feeling of constantly being under a microscope, transforming two-faced onlookers into the ‘paparazzi’. This track is packed with empowering lyrics like, “You’re gonna see me on your favourite magazine,” encouraging listeners to own the spotlight rather than shrink from it. Once again,  Eville do what they do best, delivering another heavy yet fun breakdown, complete with camera-flashing sounds to complement the theme of the track. 

Moving on to possibly the most repeat-worthy track in the whole Brat Metal universe, Bikini Top stands out as a huge highlight of the EP. Another empowering track, all about wearing whatever you want to. This time they perfectly incorporate a nu-metal edge with vinyl scratching, adding an extra layer of grit to the track. The riff that flows throughout the track, paired with Sheldrake’s spoken, confident vocals makes this one especially addictive. 

Closing out BRAT METAL is Accidents Happen, the most polished and impressive song Eville have given us so far. It’s both one of their heaviest songs and the one that best showcases Sheldrake’s clean vocals. The layered screaming moment injects raw power into emotional vulnerability, creating a perfect balance between distortion and melody. It’s a track that feels like all 3 previous songs combined into one, perfectly leading us out of BRAT METAL. 

Considering this is Eville’s first full project, they have created a strong image for themselves and for what’s to come. Every track made a statement, making this a memorable listen; I’m more than ready to see what doors open for them in the next year. If you want to be part of the hype early, you can catch Eville at their upcoming shows with As December Falls, As Everything Unfolds and Harpy.