Every once in a while, an independent artist emerges with a sound that feels like it belongs to multiple eras at once. Mike Vorpal’s EP “Memes” does exactly that. It’s a collection of songs that nods to the grit of ‘90s grunge while infusing fresh experimental touches, creating something raw and unexpectedly modern. What makes Vorpal stand out is his ability to balance distortion and melancholy without ever letting one overshadow the other. The result is a body of work that keeps listeners hooked from the first fiery riff to the final echoing chord, striking that sweet spot between nostalgia and innovation.
The record opens with “Planet Earth,” a track that instantly ignites the fuse. Driving drum rolls and urgent guitar lines build an atmosphere that demands attention, pushing listeners into a rush of emotional highs. The pacing is relentless, like a storm gathering force, until everything briefly falls silent at 2:55—only to erupt in a sudden burst of guitar that throws the song into overdrive. This clever structural trick makes the opener one of the EP’s most exhilarating moments. It’s a statement of intent, letting you know right away Vorpal isn’t here to play it safe.
After such a volcanic beginning, “Manhunter” feels like the deliberate descent into shadow. Here, the guitar tone becomes almost suffocating, draped in amplifier fuzz that stretches every note into something haunting. It’s not despair for despair’s sake, though—Vorpal uses this track to tap into the catharsis that comes from facing uncomfortable emotions head-on. The song has a heavy, rainy-day energy, pulling you into a contemplative stillness that mirrors the moments in life where pain becomes a strange kind of teacher. It’s a highlight for anyone who enjoys rock that excites and also unsettles.
The mood deepens further with “House of Capricorn.” From the outset, the atmosphere leans experimental, with distorted soundscapes setting the stage for a vocal performance that bleeds vulnerability. Vorpal sings here as though he’s exorcising demons, his voice wavering between anguish and quiet acceptance. It’s one of the most intimate moments on the EP, stripping away the bravado often found in rock to reveal something more fragile. The track doesn’t offer resolution or escape—just the painful beauty of sitting in the middle of brokenness. That’s what makes it so affecting.
Then comes “Charlatan,” which pivots the energy toward something looser, more exploratory. Instead of leaning heavily on guitars, Vorpal incorporates synthesised textures and lo-fi tinges that feel strikingly modern. The shift in style is refreshing, offering listeners a breather while still keeping them engaged in his world. Thematically, the song explores deception and weakness, yet it’s delivered in a way that feels imaginative rather than heavy. “Charlatan” proves Vorpal isn’t confined to one formula, and he’s unafraid to expand his sonic palette.
“Q” recharges the record with sheer force. If the earlier songs invited reflection, this one shatters the calm. Gritty riffs and pounding rhythms drive the track forward with unapologetic energy, making it one of the most visceral pieces on the EP. Vocally, Vorpal rises to match the intensity, his delivery raw and urgent, practically daring listeners to embrace the chaos with him. “Q” is that moment in a live set when the crowd becomes unhinged, the energy boiling over into collective madness. It’s messy, cathartic, and brilliant.
The closer, “Overboard,” steers us back into strange waters. Instead of going out with another eruption, Vorpal opts for an atmospheric, almost psychedelic track built on echoing chords and looping melodies. The song feels like a reflection, as though the EP is staring back at its own chaos and drifting into the subconscious. It’s bizarre and hypnotic, a fitting finale that leaves listeners not with answers, but with a lingering sense of instability. That uneasiness is exactly what makes it so memorable.
Taken as a whole, “Memes” is a remarkable achievement for an independent release. Mike Vorpal proves that rock, even in its most familiar grunge-inspired form, still has the power to surprise and provoke. By weaving distortion, introspection, and experimentation into one cohesive project, he offers listeners an experience. Each track captures a different shade of emotion, from fire to fragility, catharsis to collapse. It’s a reminder that the spirit of grunge is alive, not as a relic of the past but as an evolving language for today’s chaos. For anyone who craves rock with teeth and heart, “Memes” is essential listening.
For more information, follow Mike Vorpal:
Instagram – Spotify
