REVIEW: Flesh Creep - Glimmer

In the Birmingham music scene, something has been brewing for a long while. In the birthplace of heavy metal, a new generation of musicians has been on the rise, with small independent venues popping up across the city at a steady rate since COVID and more artists stepping out onto the scene to fill them up. Blending hardcore with punk, pop, jazz and metal, FLESH CREEP are easily amongst the best and brightest out there at the minute, and their new EP Glimmer is not shy about demonstrating that to anyone within earshot.

The EP starts with enough energy to power a small neighbourhood. Flake explodes into existence with a breakdown and chugging guitars that drag you straight into the chaos – they’re not wasting a second of the EP’s twelve minute runtime here. Written shortly after attending a Palestine benefit show in 2024, where artists SCOWL, PEST CONTROL and SPEED performed whilst boycotting Download festival, the track explores the band’s utter disdain for their political opposition. The "Elon suckers" and "dark knights of the comment section" are enemy number one, and the spoken-word, sarcastic delivery in the verses is as playful as it is demeaning to their enemies. FLESH CREEP don’t always play exclusively in a hardcore bubble, but everything about this track makes it clear that they could if they absolutely wanted to.

But it’s a blessing that they don’t. Lead single Bubblegum trades their hardcore stylings for a straight-forward anthemic punk song, and It sounds like the bratty, hyperactive descendant of MAX RAPTOR and LOWER THAN ATLANTIS, but with a louder bark and a deeper bite. Even with less of a focus on hardcore elements though, don’t worry – if you’re so inclined, it’s definitely still possible to two-step to this one. What’s so impressive about Glimmer is just how good it sounds. Arriving two years after the release of their debut album We Need You To Bleed, the sound design has taken a noticeable step up, with each part feeling bigger, bolder and blended much more seamlessly, whilst still keeping the same chaotic and boisterous personality that has been winning them favour in their native Birmingham hometown and beyond. It’s in this glittery new production quality that the band are able to reach their potential – whilst they shone before, it’s incredible to finally hear them sounding just as explosive as they truly are.

Of course, signing to Sony subsidiary Music For Nations this year has likely had a hand in helping the band achieve the sound they deserve, but their polish and development is a testament to their talent and their drive as artists. They really benefit from this improvement on tracks like closing track Optics, where the band are able to conjure up an atmosphere fit for an arena on a grungy, meaty guitar line and thundering drums. In the time since their debut album has released, the band has supported artists such as CHAT PILE and WITCH FEVER, headlined Dawn Fest and Spctrl Fest, and performed in charity shows to raise money for Palestine and trans healthcare. Their rise has been gradual so far, but with Glimmer in their back pocket, it’s not hard to daydream about their potential for more.

Glimmer is a tantalising look into their future, and it’s a more developed and mature offering than their debut – but most of all, it’s just a damn good EP. We are ready for FLESH CREEP to take over. Are you?

Score: 8/10

Glimmer will be released on 17th July 2026 via Music For Nations.

Words: Ellen Lovell

Photos: Flesh Creep