The Reactor - EP by As Rome Burns
by reema bhakta
The Reactor EP by As Rome Burns is an exciting breakthrough for the lively alt-rock band. The EP blends punk and grunge influences to create a bold and memorable sound.
photo by max james
“Animal” starts the EP with a burst of raw energy and chaos. The strong vocals match the sharp guitar riffs, while the rhythm grows more gripping as the song moves forward.
The story behinD Animal: “Despite its complexities, the track came together quickly in the studio (maybe because it’s just a straight-up banger). Highlights to listen out for include: lead guitarist David Windmill screaming through his pickups into a 200-watt amp, and the crashing solo section built from drummer, Alex By water, and bassist, Sam Spacey, smashing a metal bin to pieces in a giggling frenzy. These chaotic flourishes helped bring Animal to life and forever as our urgent, cathartic, anthem to the left behind.”
“I Am Your Enemy” puts the spotlight on the drummer, whose intensity perfectly delivers the emotion behind the song. The lead singer’s deeper voice fits well, giving the track an emotional edge.
The story behind i am your enemy: “has been a staple of our live set (and a fan favorite) since we began playing shows in early 2025. It explores the weight of intergenerational trauma: the way pain reverberates through families and the struggle to break cycles we never chose to be part of. That emotional friction bleeding into the song, which asks a not-so-quiet question: can we break the wheel?”
“I Think You Should Leave” stands apart as the closer, tying the EP together with its shifting tempo, speeding up and slowing down, before exploding with full-band aggression. It’s the perfect closer for this EP.
The story behind I think you should leave: “Written whilst recovering from a significant period of poor mental health, the song is celebration to the people in our lives who help keep the wolves at bay, real or imagined.”
Overall, Reactor shows the band’s talent for making powerful punk-driven music while highlighting each member’s strengths. This debut EP makes it clear that As Rome Burns is a band worth following, with real potential to rise even higher.
