REVIEW: Karen Dió - Fugaz

Following 2024's EP My World and breakout single Sick Ride, Brazilian punk rock sensation KAREN DIÓ is back with her second EP, Fugaz. Having supported the likes of LIMP BIZKIT, WARGASM, and playing at Download Festival, she has made a name for herself with an energetic, cut-loose presence. DIÓ is developing her unique sound with an album of passion, love, and belief that anything is possible. In the midst of an impressive show run, KAREN DIÓ is bringing a headlining tour to the UK this September, which will be one not to miss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7Mjql4yFs

Opening track Euphoria is reminiscent of a 2000’s coming-of-age movie opening title; it’s fun, playful, and full of energy. Encompassing the pop punk genre, it highlights the thrill of the job and what that means to DIÓ. It’s about not letting fear stop or hold you back from doing what you love. An incredible opening song, the intense guitar definitely makes it a track to blast in the car, windows down. Continuing with the movie feel, Free Yourself portrays the first moments of independence and freedom. Released as a single prior to the album launch, Free Yourself is full of fantastic riffs, and gutsy vocals. Channelling a great sense of nostalgia, it plays on the teen tropes of discovering character; ‘Do you feel alive? The world is ours’.

The punchy punk vibes don’t stop there; Choke is the epitome of finding your voice. Focussing on the themes of immigration and feminism, the track explores freedom of speech and identity. Primarily delving into how certain opinions are harmful to the survival of others, this is a powerhouse; ‘You will get what you deserve for everything you said, so choke’. Beginning with an intense bass, Crawling draws inspiration from the post-punk revival. It brings energy with inspired instrumentals and sombre lyricism about the heartbreak of longing. This juxtaposition is reminiscent of hope and sadness. The raw, devastating vocals amplified by the intense screams only add to the pain conveyed in the song. 

With arguably one of the catchiest choruses in the album, the competitive nature of Rat Race spotlights the importance of being true to your ambition. Almost reminiscent of a cheer, it creates a feeling of optimism in difficult times. A film's final battle, the prominent bassline acts as the heartbeat of self-actualisation in a cut-throat world. Fugaz, on the other hand, addresses the importance of living in the moment and letting things go. The final song on the EP, this track tells the listener to not hold onto the past, and is one of the most poignant of the album. Melodically slower and softer, it pulls focus to the present. After all, ‘time is something I can’t exchange’.

Drawing on some Brit Punk inspiration, this is an EP fuelled by nostalgia. A fun, exploratory album, Fugaz engages with every aspect of living. The title itself meaning ‘fleeting’ further emphasises the necessity to live in the present. Catchy and bouncy but with a hard bite, it embraces change and channels awareness of both the self and the world. From the thrills of Euphoria, to the necessity of letting go, KAREN DIÓ has ultimately created an anthology in the fluidity of life - what we do with it is up to us.

Score: 8/10

Fugaz will be released on 21st August 2026 via Hopeless Records.

Words: Beth Goulter

Photos: Jude Harrison