REVIEW: Mouth Ulcers - Silent Pictures
- Theviya R Karunaharan
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Emerging from the unknown and compelling listeners to dance along, London based quartet MOUTH ULCERS are resurfacing the art of darkness in their EP, Silent Pictures. Reviving the sound and aesthetic of 1980s goth, MOUTH ULCERS have carved out a dedicated following with a series of singles that showcase their dark atmospheric sound. With recent live debuts, their success has been captured through sold-out shows across the UK and the Netherlands. Their debut EP, MOUTH ULCERS showcases their take on post punk: blending the genre's familiar grit with a distinctive sound that is unmistakably them.
The seven track EP submerges listeners into a misty forest. A gloomy and melodic bass, played by Jamie-Lee Culver sets an atmospheric tone. David Zbirka’s unwavering drumming, punctuated with gradual outbursts, fuels the EP’s hypnotic momentum and irresistible urge to dance. The ominous vocals from Zac Watson and Josephine Rose contribute to the eerie atmosphere. Shimmering guitars highlight the dreamlike feel over the gloomy rhythms.
The decision to open the EP with a track about perseverance proves to be a compelling one. Laying the groundwork for the resilience and determination that echo throughout the record, Prevail. Listeners are immersed into the misty gothic soundscape with hypnotic melodies that compels movement. The instrument bridge builds anticipation as listeners are told to “Prevail to the end”. There is a striking contrast between the infectious bass and the mental battles highlighted within the lyrics. There is no other way but to prevail. Western Horror Story introduces the layered vocals of Zac and Josephine. The themes of mental struggles continue as the repetition of “everything leads to nothing” and “I need to be free” emphasises the hopelessness within the narrator. Growing desperation is showcased through the gradual key change in the bridge.
The title track, Silent Pictures, opens with a strong guitar melody before unleashing the rhythmic drums. After being consumed by despair, there is a turning point: time. There is an acceptance of the narrator's situation and a search for happiness which results in the lyrics “The silent pictures are fading away.” The track disintegrates into a cloud of distortion. With themes of lost love, Space features the repetition of two verses as Zac takes the lead. A layered and emotional soundscape is embedded as Josephine Rose mirrors the repetition. Opening with an intensely catchy riff opens the track Closer To You. Steady drums are reflective of the compelling and obsessive pulls of love. Due to their lack of self control, there’s a desire to impress their beloved that causes frustration. Satisfy allows the EP to mellow down and build back to the band’s chaos. A dreamlike atmosphere takes shape as the narrator drifts through a landscape suspended outside the flow of time. As drum tempos build, there is a growing desire to find a place where one belongs and be happy. A familiar feeling felt by misfits all around.
Closing the EP with a track called The Perfect End is quite funny. The shimmering guitars paired with glimmering synths mocks the normalisation of suppressed feelings. Yet getting through the day can be framed as “the perfect day”. Closing with a pairing of shimmering synths and gentle humming, the track lingers into a calming yet ethereal atmosphere until chimes of church bells bring it to a definitive close.
Silent Pictures distils the defying characteristics of modern goth music into a statement. Creating the opportunity to connect with fans through the EP’s danceability and lyrics, MOUTH ULCERS are proving to be a great underground band to indulge in.
Score: 10/10
Silent Pictures will be released on 10th July 2026 via Lab Records.
Words: Theviya R Karunaharan
Photos: Jake Schneider
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