Emerging with an EP that bottles up overwhelming coming of age fears both lyrically and musically, Tooth aren’t going to slip through the cracks and rightly so.
Even with only three singles out, the London-based group have been creating a loud buzz, a buzz which is only going to grow from the release of ‘Restless In Bloom’ their high-intensity, debut EP.
Tangling layers of grungey guitar riffs, a rowdy drum pattern and choruses where frontman Tom Pollock’s infectious vocals take the spotlight, ‘Restless In Bloom’ is the ultimate title track. Somewhat Indie-rock with obvious alternative 2000’s influences, they’ve found their own niche. Chaotic and spontaneous, the layers of guitar emphasise the lyrics that home in on feeling confused and lost when leaving youth behind.
An alluring opening, ‘Schoolyard’ starts with a vibrant riff that sounds like something you’d hear on a Westside Cowboy track while the vocals and drums pull it back into more punky territory. In the past the group have said that ‘Schoolyard’ has been changed and altered multiple times but it hasn’t gotten overpolished, in fact it still runs on honest lyrics and a gruff melody.
The heart-break anthem of the EP, ‘Wallflower’ shifts between slower, downcast riffs and bridges that explode into mayhem. “I’m standing here do you see me or just a stain on your floor” Pollock belts in a haze of anger and sorrow while Ben Ashley’s untamed guitar hooks capture the ache of feeling unwanted, something that will resonate with much of their fanbase.
Following a similar theme, ‘Medicine’ and debut single ‘The Age Of Innocence’ complete the EP with no momentum lost. Both tracks are made for the stage, ‘Medicine’ bursts with groove and excitement while still sticking to their raw, riff-filled style. Focussed on first relationships and the heavy feeling of longing they leave you with, Pollock’s practically shouting by the last verse, rough but earnest his vocals are packed with intensity.
On ‘The Age Of Innocence’ they don’t shy away from that raw passion that runs through the whole EP, feeling DIY but crafted like that purposefully. Reminiscing on teenage years, it’s bittersweet, at times it seems they are fond of their memories but the vibes soon shift back to match the anxiety of knowing your childhood is ending. Romance is twisted into the lyrics (“Well I only liked her cus she looked just like you”) as a fiery bassline is paired with feral guitar that animates the chorus.
Tooth’s riff-heavy live shows are being fought for, with an extensive list of festival slots and quickly selling out headline shows under their belt, this year is a turning point for them. They are about to hit that moment where they blow up and ‘Restless In Bloom’ is a glorious opening statement.
Tooth: Restless In Bloom – Out 12 June 2026 (Soil To The Sun Recordings)
– Restless in Bloom (Official Music Video)
