Normandie's 'SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1' makes a statement as their first independent project in over 10 years

Recommended tracks: “Cyanide,” “Mayday,” “Halo”
Similar artists: Caskets, Holding Absence, Siamese

The wait is finally over: Normandie‘s first independent project in over a decade, SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1, is officially out for your listening pleasure. The Swedish metalcore band, composed of vocalist Philip Strand, drummer Anton Franzon, and guitarist Håkan Almbladh, has been going hard on social media promoting this EP, and it seems like all that work has paid off. In an Instagram post earlier today, the band wrote:

“PLAY IT LOUD.
PLAY IT TWICE.
MAKE BAD DECISIONS.”

And we certainly will.

The EP combines Normandie’s signature melodic hooks with a heavier sound, incorporating harsh vocals and hard-hitting breakdowns to usher in a new era for the band. The lyrics throughout SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1 confront a range of societal issues, mostly focusing on the ever-growing division in today’s world thanks to things like social media algorithms and a severe lack of empathy. But, of course, the band also sprinkles in some more emotional tracks that fans will certainly relate to.

Lead single “Sellout” opens the EP, setting that heavy-hitting tone that fans were so excited to hear upon the song’s release back in November. A critique on the state of the modern music industry, “Sellout” serves as the perfect introduction to Normandie’s first project as a newly independent band.

The slightly more melancholy “Cyanide” comes next, combining emotional lyrics and catchy melodies with well-placed breakdowns. The blend of all these elements into one incredible track puts Normandie’s raw musical talent on display, satisfying both fans of Normandie’s previous work and those excited for the heavier era to come. Strand’s vocals really shine on this one, making it not only a relatable, somewhat emo track but also one that’s fun to sing along to. The “Cyanide” music video is also our favorite among their new releases.

“Halo” is the only song from the EP that wasn’t pre-released, but it’s already one of our favorites. Opening with the pre-chorus, we’re immediately met with crashing drums and sinister-sounding electronics as Strand almost robotically repeats the lyrics “Stockholm syndrome / It must be lonely up in your / Plastic kingdom / I’ll pull the plug on your halo.”

Lyrically, the song seems to confront societal issues such as overconsumption and internet addiction, with references to a “plastic kingdom” and “painting a paradise inside a screen.” Normandie clearly has a knack for making their critiques of the modern world incredibly catchy, something that’s sure to grab the attention of those who agree with them as well as provoke thought from others who may not have tuned in yet.

“Guilt By Association” continues this critique but takes it a step further, explicitly calling out disinformation and online echo chambers as sources of the growing division in today’s world. With driving instrumentals that carry the EP’s energy forward, it implores listeners to take a hard look at our own beliefs and how we treat people with different opinions.

Our favorite of the pre-released singles, the anthemic “Mayday” is the perfect closer for SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1. It’s not quite as heavy as the previous tracks, incorporating a soundscape that sounds sorrowful yet hopeful through upbeat synths and stadium-ready vocals. Here, Normandie abandons their angry critiques of society in favor of a more personal, emotional theme: never feeling like you’re good enough. As the most “emo” song on the EP, “Mayday” is sure to connect with fans on a deeper level, giving us something to belt out the lyrics to no matter what we’re going through. And don’t worry; the bridge will scratch that “heavy Normandie” itch, tying it in with the rest of the EP.

Even though 4 of the 5 songs were pre-released, the order they’re in on SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1 is clearly purposeful, making the listening experience of the project as a whole feel fresh and intriguing. The band introduces us to their new musical era with “Sellout” and then appeals to our emotions with “Cyanide” before presenting their point of view on today’s world with “Halo” and “Guilt By Association.” Then, they hit us right in the heart with “Mayday,” leaving us feeling like they’re right here with us, feeling our pain and pulling us through. It’s like a release of all that energy and anger that’s built up throughout the rest of the EP, giving us a glimpse of hope in the midst of dark times.

SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1 is a strong addition to the band’s discography and certainly makes a statement as their first independent project in over 10 years. Not only does it speak to their musical prowess, but it also explores a more honest, raw approach to songwriting in which they don’t shy away from important conversations with the wider world. As such, most of the songs are critiques of different aspects of modern society and serve to raise awareness of these issues, but Normandie doesn’t forget about the personal connection they’ve forged with fans over the years, either.

This incredible project already has us wanting more (SIDE EFFECTS PT. 2, anyone?) and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Until then, we’ll be streaming SIDE EFFECTS PT. 1 on repeat.