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.