Rock and punk is a genre that continues to evolve to this very day, and with the help of Canadian artist, EKKSTACY, the new wave of indie rock and punk will only progress.
EKKSTACY’s music blends elements of post-punk from the late 1970s, indie rock, and emo with a lo-fi, sometimes trap-influenced production style. His sound is often dark, melancholic, and emotionally raw, which for me draws comparisons to the late XXXTENTACION, focusing on themes of isolation and depression. Other modern comparisons would include Lil Peep and The Drums, but I would even date his influence back to an older band, like The Cure and Misfits, detailing his multifarious capabilities. His sound is moody and unpredictable, which we get more than a glimpse of on his newest album FOREVER, along with a refreshing approach from EKKSTACY.
EKKSTACY’s third studio album marks a significant evolution in his musical journey. Departing from the lo-fi, bedroom pop aesthetics of his earlier works, this album introduces a full-band sound, which we are promptly met with in the introductory song, “if i had a gun”, with reverb-heavy electric guitar and a simple drum pattern. EKKSTACY infuses raw energy and a visceral edge into his signature melancholic style. The result is a compelling fusion of emo, post-punk, and indie rock that he is known for, capturing the turbulence of youth and encouraging emotional introspection.
The album showcases a grittier, more immediate sound, with EKKSTACY building songs from the ground up using voice and guitar. This approach lends a tighter and more personal feel to the tracks. The album’s energetic bursts and emotive undercurrents are prevalent throughout. While the instrumental approach differs from his previous work, the lyrical themes remain the same, which I believe is an impressive feat to accomplish. Production usually precedes lyrics, so EKKSTACY’s ability to evolve his production style while staying true to his lyrical roots is what makes this album both unique and authentic.
Highlights from this project are vast. “what’s wrong with me” is a prime example of the evolution EKKSTACY endures on this album, as the song is met with a constant percussion that keeps you focused on the emotional journey throughout the track. “messages” is extremely reminiscent of XXXTENTACION and his emotional cuts from his 17 album. The moment the guitar strung for the first time, I felt like I was back in 2017. The title track, “forever”, encapsulates the album’s essence, blending pop-punk energy with introspective lyrics. Its high-energy instrumentation contrasts with emotional depth of the lyrics, creating a compelling dynamic. “keep my head down” stands out for its stripped-back production and heartfelt lyricism, offering a raw glimpse into EKKSTACY’s inner world.
FOREVER represents a maturation of EKKSTACY’s sound, blending his emo and post-punk roots with a newfound confidence and sonic clarity. The album’s cohesive production and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout release in the alternative music scene of 2025. For fans of emotionally charged music that bridges the gap between indie rock and emo, FOREVER is a must-listen.