Just one year removed from the release of their debut single “Blossom”, Cleveland-based punk band Idle Minds have dropped their debut EP Break Apart the Sun for the worlds consumption. Dripping with reverberated melodrama and ethereal soundscapes, Idle Minds have put their influences at the forefront of their debut release.

Forming as a 2-piece in December of 2020, Idle Minds slowly acquired the instrumental pieces necessary for this release, leading them to their current lineup of vocalist Trevor Stout, rhythm guitarist Tom Stankiewicz, bassist Chase Adler, and lead guitarist Scott Lewis. While each member comes from a different musical background, their respective styles have melded beautifully throughout this EP, delivering a thought-provoking, atmospheric rock you may expect from the likes of Thrice, Can’t Swim, or Boston Manor.

“Salt” sets a somewhat reserved tone from the opening notes of the EP, while the triumphant “Residuals” absolutely smashes through that resolve with its high energy riffs and crashing percussion. This balanced duality can be found throughout the entirety of Break Apart the Sun, with “Champagne” providing the celebratory “cork-pop” that caps off this short, but impressive EP.

Lyrically, the band matches their instrumental duality with a lyrical balancing act between themes of hope and despair. “The EP covers a handful of things like self accountability, self sabotage, hope, wanting better, courage, coping, resilience, clarity, and trusting the process,” says vocalist Trevor Stout. “Each song is respectively different but feels like an important leg for the overall vibe to stand on. The title, “Break Apart the Sun,” represents more of a feeling rather than a specific meaning. The feeling being that words & actions carry more weight than we realize. At least more than we give ourselves credit for within negative and positive lights.”

While Break Apart the Sun is certainly a tremendous entry into the alternative music scene, Idle Minds won’t be sitting on this release for much longer, as they already have another single in the chamber ready to be fired into existence. With a little luck, the band also hopes to be able to hit the main stage in 2022, something I’m sure we’ve all been missing over these past few years. Be sure to check out Idle Minds debut EP wherever you get music and listen to the hit single “Residuals” below!