THE HOWLING: Salvo
One thing I love about a concert is when the choice of support act just makes sense. Last December, Ice Nine Kills were supported by Creeper. No explanation needed for why that scratched the gig line-up itch in my brain. While THE HOWLING supporting Creeper on their current tour appears to be the appropriate appetiser before the main course, whether one truly complemented the other was yet to be seen. So, there was only one thing for it… Pull up a chair and dig into their debut EP, ‘Salvo’.
Introducing the brooding infusion that penetrates all five tracks, ‘Little Promises’ intertwines the driving pace and drama of goth rock with emo’s melodic, emotionally charged choruses. The best of both worlds, some might say. Certainly for someone whose teenage roots lie in ‘The Black Parade’. Yearning lyrics delivered through rising verses create a cinematic feel, aligning perfectly with the theatrical performances of Creeper and My Chemical Romance.
Speaking of My Chemical Romance, ‘Incantation’ embodies the essence of the infamous ‘Helena’. Catchy in both beat and lyrics, the disjointed drums personify the internal chaos we all resonate with. Stepping away from the glorious shout-along tragedy, this track embraces an almost pop-punk, jump-around ecstasy with a distinctly emo delivery.
Vampire rock enters the room in the aptly named ‘Unholy’. Rising, pleading vocals contrast with rich, velvety tones delivered at a pace that moves with intention. Goth rock fans will delight in the twirling interchange of pace and the throwback to ’80s-style wailing, almost entering ballad territory. Leaning into the theatrics with a deep, devilish laugh, THE HOWLING make it clear that they are here to perform.
Maintaining the spooky vampire vibes, ‘The Murder Capital’ invites you to indulge in decadent cries and an irresistible chorus hook. Layering crashing percussion and riffs with the compelling melancholic vocals of Mikey Lord is spellbinding. Everything the gothic heart wants, especially when it’s feeling upbeat.
In an unexpected conclusion, ‘New Religion’ closes the excitement-inducing experience with a variation of Mikey’s vocals not yet heard. Placing soft, weighted vocals front and centre, THE HOWLING provide a tasting menu of their unique emo/rock/goth sound, and I delighted in the experience. Beautiful, considered and utterly delectable, the finale incorporates all the moody angst of emo, the macabre darkness of goth and the intensity of rock.
An elixir for the elder emos and goths among us, you can sink your teeth into ‘Salvo’on 22 May 2026.