THE FRONT ROW

🎧 Track tip: This one’s perfect for your “Angst-Ridden Indie Anthem” playlist.

If you’re not already familiar with Emergency Break, it’s time to start paying attention. This five-piece band has been making waves on the London indie scene with their no-holds-barred live shows and their distinctive sound, a mix of infectious melodies and punchy rock anthems. Their latest single “DOLLFACE” is an absolute riot, showcasing the energy and emotional depth that’s quickly becoming their signature.

This second single dives into a story that hits all too close to home in today’s digital age: the fleeting, often hollow nature of online fame. The track follows Jane, a girl caught in the whirlwind of viral attention, and it captures the dissonance between the allure of recognition and the loneliness that often accompanies it.

From the first riff, Joe Adams’ lead guitar grabs your attention, pulling you into the track with its urgency. The pounding rhythm section, driven by Ewan Hawkins on bass and James Brooks on drums, gives the song an electrifying backbone that perfectly supports Leo Gerchen’s impassioned vocals. The balance between the raw, gritty energy of the music and the introspective, heartfelt lyrics makes “DOLLFACE” a standout.

The track was crafted at Strongroom Studios and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Oasis), and it sounds massive, anthemic yet still grounded in real emotion. The guitars here are gripped with tension, building up to those moments where the track soars, letting the lyrics take the spotlight as they explore themes of insecurity, identity, and the loss of self in the pursuit of momentary fame.

There’s a soul-stirring vulnerability here too, Gerchen’s voice cracks with authenticity, especially in the quieter moments, before the full-force chorus hits with a contagious power. It’s that kind of song that will have you screaming along by the time it reaches its peak. It’s the kind of track you want to hear live, surrounded by fans who feel every word.

“DOLLFACE” leaves a lasting impression, an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of the internet’s gaze or tried to figure out who they are amidst the noise. This is the track that will put Emergency Break on your radar, and with their forthcoming headline show at Omeara in September, it’s clear this band has only just begun.