Seattle’s DEATH SPA isn’t your typical punk band. This noise-punk trio blends the raw energy of hardcore with experimental rhythms and sharp, personal storytelling. Led by songwriter Mia-Rose Malone (vocals, guitar), the band includes bassist Levi Fuller and drummer Jonathan Rodriguez, forming a powerhouse team that thrives on chaos and precision.
Their debut album, Ewwwphoria, dives deep into themes of pain, identity, and survival. It doesn’t shy away from harsh truths, addressing cycles of abuse, isolation, and the struggles of being trans in a society that often denies basic rights. Tracks like "Escape from Kirkland" recount harrowing experiences of leaving an abusive relationship, while "Pink Castles" offers a vulnerable reflection on childhood trauma.
DEATH SPA doesn’t just confront personal battles; they embrace the surreal and the macabre. "The Cyst" imagines a world where alien parasites take over, and "Pregnant Time Slave" describes an endless time loop of self-rebirth. The instrumental "Blue Skies and Golden Sunshine All Along the Way" features saxophonist Skerik, whose wild tones echo Mia’s screams, creating a disorienting yet mesmerizing soundscape. Lori Goldston’s cello adds a haunting touch, especially on the album's quieter moments.
The music is unrelenting, with distorted guitars, unpredictable basslines, and blistering drum patterns driving each song forward. Yet, amid the chaos, DEATH SPA knows when to pull back. These moments of contrast provide a glimpse of light in their otherwise intense and often brutal compositions.
Ewwwphoria is a bold statement of self-discovery and resilience. It’s an album for anyone who has felt out of place or pushed to the margins, offering both catharsis and a challenge to stay strong. DEATH SPA’s fearless approach to noise-punk reinvents the genre while keeping its heart firmly intact.
If you crave music that confronts you with honesty and unexpected twists, DEATH SPA’s Ewwwphoria should be your next listen.