mirror mirror — MUSIC — Unclear Magazine

by joann snavely

Fans have anxiously been waiting for the up-and-coming LA-based band The Scarlet Opera’s forthcoming sophomore EP since the release of their lead singles “Someone’s Gotta Love ‘Em” and “Catch Me If You Can.” Composed of frontman Luka Bazulka, whose vocals snugly fit into the musical talents of band members Colin Kenrick (keyboard), Daniel Zuker (bass), Justin Siegal (drums), and Chance Taylor (guitar), the longtime friends are here to stay. Trailblazing in a genre of its own, The Scarlet Opera is gearing up to overhaul the music industry itself. Coming hot off the heels of their debut EP Comedy, which was released just last year featuring hits like “Alive” and “Riot,” The Scarlet Opera is here to change the way we listen to music, and their latest Mirror, Mirror EP does just that.

The album opens with the lead single “Catch Me If You Can” which instantly sends listeners into what feels like a coming-of-age film. It’s upbeat, catchy, and rampant with an essential blend of flawless production, and jaw-dropping synth to create a song that leads listeners excited for more. The opening track sets fans up for the album reminiscent of 80s pop with its own dramatic, and beautifully executed flair.

The track “Slutty” switches gears with a slightly less pop sound and instead infuses enticing guitar and vocals that are gritty, sultry, and somehow almost operatic at the same time. It’s unlike anything being produced in modern music as the band continues to emphasize what current music should be — unique, showstopping, and in a world of its own.

The rest of the album continues to exceed any pre-determined expectations fans may have had as it continues in its theatrical style of musicality. Each track composes its own unique sound that’s entirely different from the previous whilst still composing one cohesive record.

It tells a beautiful story of love, life, and everything in between while just being a fun record perfectly constructed for the summer.

The band spoke on the new release;

“For better or for worse, this music ended up being a reflection of our trials and tribulations being a band the past few years — the complexities of falling sucker to industry hype men paralleled eerily well to the simultaneous love affairs happening behind the scenes. Mirror, Mirror will always be a poignant reminder for us to keep our circle tight, the romance in the ride and our joy protected, at all costs. More music, sooner.”

The five-piece band isn’t new to musical acclaim, having been nominated for the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards and headlining a tour across the country this past spring, it seems that they’re just getting started, and there’s no stopping the musical empire The Scarlet Opera is building.

Check out their latest EP Mirror, Mirror here.

INTRO BY MADDEN LEVIN

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

With their debut EP released last year doing tremendously well, We’re No Gentlemen, a female-fronted alternative rock band, shares with us everything about their music and lives. This band is definitely not one to pass over and we promise you’ll enjoy their meaningful music. Below you can find our exclusive interview with the band!

In 2016 you guys released your debut self-titled EP. Do you personally feel that specific group of songs was a good introduction to you guys as a band?

"We feel like it was just the beginning for the band and helped established us as an act. The songs are catchy with memorable lyrics so it definitely got people interested in us. We always get excited whenever someone tells us what our music means to them so the feedback has been amazing. Our fans fuel our fire to keep writing great songs and to push ourselves in newer directions as well."

Your newest single is Night – why did you want this to be the next single off the EP?

"We feel this song has an epic feel to it as well a message that people can relate to. It is a fan favorite live and it has such a great atmosphere to it sonically that we thought it would translate well visually too."

You recently released a music video for Night. What was it like filming the video? Any favorite memories from filming?

"Making the video for Night was not only one of the best experiences we’ve had as a band, but one of our most memorable experiences as individuals. When we first met with our director Henry Arres (who also directed our video for Mirror, Mirror), we first discussed a simplistic performance-based concept in order to avoid having a storyline that might not be told in its full extent in a music video format. However, a few weeks before shooting, Henry came up with a great concept that was based off the lyrics of the song and we were confident that he could bring his vision to fruition. Every member of the band had their own storyline, which was all linked together with the theme of loss. Despite the deep and personal subject matter, the video crew created a fun and positive environment during the whole fourteen hour shoot, which allowed our emotions to come across the screen convincingly. The funny thing is we were trying to make each other laugh while filming these scenes, but we had to be really serious. It was great! Especially the scene where Daniele was thrown out of the bar!"

Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the song and the video?

"Night is a song about wanting to let go of hurt. It's a build up of all of the experiences that have now become you. It's about wanting to let go of negative and suicidal thoughts. Most of the band has been affected by loved ones taking their own life so this song is very dear to our hearts. The video shows each member of the band in situations that either cause emotional pain or are an outcome of coping with pain in negative ways. Although all of the images are dark and bleak, we are trying to depict that everyone goes through hardships and can come to terms with the loss in their life in order to set themselves free in positive ways."

For anyone that hasn’t heard your music before, how would you describe it to them?

"Overall, we are a high energy, female fronted alternative rock band. Each song has somewhat of a different vibe. Mirror, Mirror is definitely our pop-rock track, whereas Night has a darker, emo sound. The music we're currently writing is heavier than anything we've ever done."

Is there anything else that we can expect from you in the near future?

"We just recorded a new EP that will be released early 2018."

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