Emerging from the vibrant alternative scenes of Brighton and London, Aqualine are making waves with their new EP, Tripwire. The five-track offering is a bold statement of intent. Aqualine’s sound—a deft fusion of post-punk, grunge, and indie with subtle hip-hop undertones—feels at once nostalgic and startlingly modern. Drawing on ’90s shoegaze and grunge while embracing contemporary alt-rock and crankwave textures, the band crafts a sonic landscape that is explosive, immersive, and unforgettable.
From the opening notes of Tripwire, the listener is drawn into Aqualine’s meticulous musical world. Tight drums and bass provide a sturdy backbone for melancholic yet soaring vocals, while guitar work moves effortlessly between fuzzy aggression and elegant intricacy. Effects like pitch shifting and modulation add a layer of experimental flair reminiscent of Jonny Greenwood, lending the EP both a polished sheen and a restless, unpredictable energy. Tracks like Hit Me balance buoyant melody with sudden bursts of intensity, while Poppy drives forward with unrelenting momentum, and Orchidline floats delicately, capturing moments of introspection and vulnerability.
The production team behind Tripwire elevates the EP’s ambitious scope. Produced by Simon Schenk-Mair, mixed by Matt Glasbey (Bloc Party, David Gilmour), and mastered by Katie Tavini, the record retains the raw energy of its shoegaze and grunge roots while embracing bold stylistic experimentation. The band’s approach—recording live takes in the studio and layering only minimal overdubs—gives the EP an organic immediacy. This method allowed Aqualine to preserve the emotional honesty of each track, particularly on Orchidline, a song born from moments of personal struggle and mental health battles within the band.
Thematically, Tripwire reflects the delicate navigation of inner turbulence and invisible emotional thresholds. Each track explores a different facet of anxiety, isolation, or self-discovery, yet the EP maintains a cohesive vision. The title itself evokes tension and vulnerability, and the upcoming tour promises to expand on this concept with immersive visuals, EP-inspired artwork, and a live intensity that mirrors the raw honesty of the recordings. Aqualine’s performances are described as “untameable” for good reason, as they channel both musicianship and raw energy into every show.
Since their debut EP in 2024, Aqualine have steadily carved a reputation for themselves on both sides of the Channel, supporting Alfie Templeman and playing festivals like Supersonic Block Party in Paris and Outside the Box Festival in Ireland. With radio support from BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Introducing, Tripwire positions them as a band to watch, both creatively and commercially. The EP is a thrilling snapshot of a band in full bloom—capable of delivering complexity, beauty, and visceral impact in equal measure—and a compelling prelude to what promises to be a landmark tour.
