Album Review: "IRL AFK Actually Called A BRB EP" by Mhzesent
Released in 2019 under the label Tsundere Violence, IRL AFK Actually Called A BRB EP is a fascinating dive into the mind of Mhzesent—a project that blends rock with experimental undertones while maintaining an unmistakable DIY ethos. Hailing from the US, this EP doesn’t just sit comfortably within its genre; it pushes boundaries and invites listeners to question what modern rock can truly be.
The tracklist itself reads like a cryptic manifesto, but two songs stand out as particularly memorable for their audacity and emotional weight: "From Nihilism To Existentialism, From Existentialism To Fucking Hell. (Serious Arts, Eh?)" and "Also, I Literally Re-Enact Typing On My Keyboard, When Drifting Off To Fall Asleep (Shouts Out Genesis Thor 300 TKL Blue-Switch) (No Prog Scum)."
"From Nihilism To Existentialism..." feels like a sonic journey through chaos and clarity. The song opens with dissonant guitar riffs that seem to fight against each other before settling into something almost meditative. It’s hard not to feel the raw tension here—it's less about polished production and more about authenticity. This isn’t background music; it demands your attention. What sticks with me most is how it captures that universal struggle of finding meaning in a world that often feels meaningless. By the time you hit the outro, you're left wondering if you've just experienced catharsis or a panic attack. Either way, it works.
Then there’s "Also, I Literally Re-Enact Typing On My Keyboard...", which somehow manages to make mundane actions sound epic. The rhythm mimics the staccato clatter of mechanical keys—shoutout to whoever decided blue switches were worth mentioning—and builds into layers of distorted guitars and frantic percussion. There’s humor here, sure, but also a weird kind of relatability. Who hasn’t zoned out at 2 AM, staring at a blinking cursor? Somehow, Mhzesent turns this everyday moment into something both absurd and profound.
While the entire EP has its quirks, these tracks linger because they balance eccentricity with genuine emotion. They remind us that art doesn’t always have to make perfect sense—it just needs to resonate.
Reflecting on IRL AFK Actually Called A BRB EP, one thing becomes clear: Mhzesent isn’t trying to fit neatly into any box. Instead, they’re carving out their own space where intellectual musings meet visceral noise. And honestly, isn’t that what rock should do? Push buttons, break rules, maybe even piss people off a little?
So yeah, give this EP a spin if you’re tired of the same old stuff. Just don’t expect answers—only more questions. Oh, and props to whoever came up with those ridiculous song titles. You win.
