New Jersey has always been one of the most promising states for the most distinctive musical acts. Well-known bands, such as Armor For Sleep to My Chemical Romance, each with their unique sound, paved the way for other bands to rise from the garden state. After listening to the distinctive soundscapes of up-and-coming Essex County band Alive In Fiction, I Can't Stop Myself is making us take a second look at the Jersey band pool.

Alive In Fiction have been making waves in the scene since their 2017 debut EP Astray. From then on, they released another gem in 2019 “Closer," leading to the extraordinary creation of EP I Can’t Help Myself, which debuted August 7th. Bleeding with musical energies of other successful bands, such as Picturesque, Saosin, and The Plot In You, Alive in Fiction is quickly proving with this EP that they want to punch a creative hole in the genre wall and make music that is evocative, gravid, and memorable. 

From the beginning, we get a beautifully vivid and nostalgic opening track, “Anchors.” Gripping our auditory senses with spry guitar work and fascinatingly wistful vocal control throughout, this band is hitting us hard with a grand first impression in one full swing, preparing us for what the rest of EP has to offer. 

We then move on to another immersive experience “Closer.” Beautiful atmospheric guitar riffs immediately submerge us into technically impressive percussive elements and more melodic vocal prowess. Alive In Fiction consistently keeps us diving further into a dazzling post-hardcore / emo dream that listeners will not be able to get enough of. 

I Can’t Help Myself continues to move this alluring musical journey along with “Last Love.” Another lyrically intriguing track that provides a lot of the same instrumental fundamentals introduced earlier, it's another fantastic addition to keep us engaged for the last few songs left on the EP. 

“We Became Ghost” is the track that seals the deal for being one the most lyrically and instrumentally impressive listens on the whole EP. With ingenious melodic guitar work that’s perfectly sewn into impassioned clean vocals and poignant lyricism, this is an experience that listeners will come back to relive over and over again. 

As we draw closer to the dramatic close of this EP, the hits keep emerging. “The Ocean” continues to arrest our attention spans with more ethereal instrumental verve. Accompanied by hard-hitting clean and harsh vocals, this demonstrates Alive In Fiction's multi-genre and vocally-layered mastery at its best. 

We then end on a misty number “Bed Frames." Trading in the sharp melodic touches they have enveloped us in for the past five songs for more hypnotic and denuded intones, it is a successful way to end such a riveting EP. 

I Can’t Help Myself is a powerful and mesmerizing sophomore release for Alive In Fiction. From entrancing instrumental environments, gorgeous vocal dexterity, and emotionally abundant lyrics overflowing throughout, this is an EP that will garner lots of attention. If Alive In Fiction continues to make successful musical ventures like this, the only place for this band to go is up.