REVIEW: False Reality - FADED FEATURES

A few months after the release of their album FADED INTENTIONS in November 2025, FALSE REALITY, a mosh pit ready, hardcore piece from London provides fans with extra goodies. Comprised of vocalist Rachel Rigby, guitarist Dave Connolly, bassist Joe Cornwell, and drummer Louis Dale, the band although fresh is already gaining traction with household names such as SPEED featuring on their first album. FADED FEATURES takes a select few from FADED INTENTIONS and baptizes them into a fresh set of songs for listeners to two step to. As hinted by the title, the EP focuses on features with artists such as DEFIANCE HC, DENIAL OF LIFE, SHOOTING DAGGERS, and ZAND (with ZAND featuring twice in a remix). All titles utilize UPPERCASE which gives you a feel for the resounding drums and intense vocals about to come.

Opening track OUT OF TIME (ft. DEFIANCE HC) begins with what feels like a call to action. A sample akin to an emergency broadcast, coupled with Connolly's guitar, screams out to anyone not ready to get up and dance yet. Time is running out and the lyrics remind listeners of that. A quasi-breakdown starts before we are called to action by Rigby’s compelling vocals. MIRROR (ft. DENIAL OF LIFE), second on the EP, blends thrash backing with hardcore vocals. Dale’s drums are the star of the show in the beginning of this track as they act as a suitable cohesive agent between the hardcore and thrash elements of the song. It is punchy and quick at the beginning, however, it contains elements of reflection as it slows down at periods. With vocals full of rage and lyrics complimenting them, this song is a great listen for anyone facing betrayal. DENIAL OF LIFE coming in towards the end is almost soothing, and needed as it preps for a softer song to come.

Next up is SONDER (ft. ZAND) which provides a complete change in pace to the rest of the EP. It begins with an acoustic sound and is more reminiscent of post punk or shoegaze with Cornwell's bass shining through more on this track. SONDER almost feels as though from a different band at first as it is much slower paced to begin. This makes the breakdown much more powerful as it feels like achieving a much needed breakthrough.

Greeting us in the penultimate song, EVERY GAZE (ft. SHOOTING DAGGERS), begins with an intense roar. The intro, screaming instrumentals, breakdown, and spitting vocals makes this the most melodic song on the EP. The fast paced guitar coupled with drums and bass calls for dancing, running around and entering the pit. The tempo also creates a desire to replay the song as it feels shorter than it is. This is positive however, as it is due to the energy of the song that creates a desire to replay. SONDER is repurposed as the ending track through the form of a remix by GHOSTCHANT. It is completely different to the original (on this EP), as it focuses more on the mellow elements of the song. Consequently, this remix eliminates the breakdown in the original. It is more echoing in vocals and contains less variation in sound. As such, we prefer the original version of SONDER but would not rule it out for those in a reflective mood.

FADED FEATURES is a refreshing take on FADED INTENTIONS especially if listeners are looking for a feel of an extended version of their favourite songs on the 2025 album. However, we would end with EVERY GAZE. This EP is definitely worth a listen and we're excited to see what’s next for the band!

Score: 7/10

FADED FEATURES was released on the 12th June 2026 via Hassle Records.

Words: Renée Bennett

Photos: False Reality