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Post-hardcore five-piece Pull The Curtain released their debut EP Counting Sheep this past Friday, February 14th. Touching on topics such as anxiety, toxic relationships, bullying, and the emotional turmoil associated with giving up, Pull The Curtain put forth a relatable collection of 2000’s emo-inspired songs sure to connect with this scene. We were able to speak with guitarist and vocalist Richard Francois about the EP and what it means to the band.

“Counting Sheep is the culmination of a lifetime of frustration and angst.” Richard said. “The title Counting Sheep comes from the song “Breathing Is the Hardest Part.” This song draws from the frustration of trying to cope with anxiety. Anyone who deals with it probably knows that being told “just breathe” doesn’t help.”

Pull The Curtain put their influences on their sleeve with Counting Sheep. From the introductory song, “Breathing Is the Hardest Part”, hints of early Senses Fail and Underoath immediately come through in their instrumental and screamed vocal delivery. However, it is the uniquely melodic chorus delivery that makes this band stand apart from their influences.

Lyrically, this band’s raw emotion is at the forefront, particularly on the songs “Water Your Flowers” and “Just Be Yourself Is the Worst Advice I’ve Ever Been Given”. “[“Water Your Flowers”] is yet another song about clinging to someone toxic.”. Richard continues, “I thought that I could take all the best parts of myself and be the person to help this person be better. I knew that this person wasn’t all bad, but in the end watering a dead flower won’t bring it back.”

When discussing “Just Be Yourself Is the Worst Advice I’ve Ever Been Given”, Richard touched on topics of bullying and the weight it places on people. “I think the name says it all. “The days that you won’t remember are the days that pull me under”. There are things I don’t get to forget, and it only gets worse. Everyone agrees bullying is bad, but the reality is bullying still happens. Bullies eventually grow up and forget all the awful things and then act like they never did a thing to you.”

Pull The Curtain are establishing themselves in this scene as a name you can count on to deliver a sound that many bands in the scene have transitioned away from. “Our goal with this band is to revive the angst and energy of 2000’s emo,” Richard states. “It wasn’t a phase that we grew out of and decided to look back on, it’s something we grew up with. Your favorite bands aren’t going back to their old sound, but we will.”

You can find Pull The Curtain on Spotify and various social media outlets. Check out the video for “Glass Bones and Paper Skin” below and you can find “Breathing Is the Hardest Part” on our official Spotify playlist!

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWq4RnC76FQ&w=854&h=480]