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Review blog: https://www.aktmusic.com/2026/06/mesmonized-confronts-the-issues-we-avoid-on-the-ep-in-the-room.html
Some artists use music as an escape. Mesmonized uses it as a conversation that many people would prefer not to have. On the five-track EP In the Room, the North West England songwriter and producer turns his attention toward the subjects that linger in public consciousness yet are often pushed aside in everyday life. The title itself reflects the project’s central idea: addressing the metaphorical elephant in the room and giving voice to concerns that continue to shape personal and collective experience.
Inspired by the storytelling traditions of Peter Gabriel and Roger Waters, Mesmonized approaches songwriting with a clear sense of purpose. These songs are not built around trends or easy answers. Instead, they focus on the realities of daily struggle, social unrest, and global events, while seeking the human stories hidden beneath headlines and political discourse. The result is an EP that values empathy and reflection over simplification.
What makes In the Room particularly effective is its commitment to humanising difficult subjects. Mesmonized is not interested in turning complex issues into slogans. The songs aim to connect emotionally, encouraging listeners to consider the people affected by the events being discussed. That focus on humanity gives the project its emotional weight and prevents it from becoming purely observational.
The production also plays an important role in shaping the listening experience. Recorded in the same studio that hosted previous releases, the EP benefits from extensive double-tracking that creates a spacious and atmospheric sound. The layered vocals and ambient textures add depth to the material, reinforcing the reflective nature of the songwriting. The sonic environment feels carefully considered, allowing each song to develop its own emotional identity while maintaining cohesion across the project.
As a solo artist and producer, Mesmonized demonstrates a willingness to move beyond conventional genre boundaries. Elements of alternative rock, introspective songwriting, and atmospheric production coexist naturally throughout the EP. This refusal to fit neatly into a single category mirrors the complexity of the themes being explored. Life itself rarely fits into tidy boxes, and In the Room embraces that reality.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this release is its honesty. Mesmonized openly acknowledges a desire to write about love, joy, heartbreak, and celebration, themes planned for a future album. Yet he felt compelled to address the issues occupying his thoughts today. That decision gives In the Room a sense of urgency and authenticity that cannot be manufactured. As a preview of a larger artistic vision, In the Room succeeds by asking listeners to engage with the world around them while remaining connected to the people within it. It is a thoughtful, courageous EP that places empathy, awareness, and meaningful storytelling at the center of its creative mission.
