Review Summary: nothing too special, but still enjoyable
The Caution Children's debut EP clocks in at 17 minutes and 41 seconds, which seems a bit brief for a screamo outfit that has a reputation for having a substantial post-rock influence. This is shown in their noisy interludes between actual songs and a penchant for ambient passages leading to chaotic outbursts, as per the post-rock norm. Their occasional noodling and irrefutable technical grasp also comes into the play in tracks like "Taking This Mission Is Like Shaking Hands With The Devil", where abrasive screams and restless drumming transitions to a soothing melodic groove that ebbs and flows until the band goes Krakatoa and erupts all over again. The centerpiece though, is "Meaningless Symbols Acquire Meaning Despite Themselves." Think of the song as a gorgeous sunrise, if instead of rising completely, the sun just burst into flames at the end of it all. But besides being a great example of how talented The Caution Children are, it serves as a reminder of the main problem of the record: the terrible production. Whether the sketchy, poorly mixed sound was intended or not, it just doesn't work with the varied atmosphere. If the songs were merely constantly forceful and aggressive, it could get a pass, but the fluid interludes sounding murky as well is just unpleasant to the ear. Regardless of the abhorrent production, it's still a fairly solid release and introduces the band succinctly while creating a nice framework for their later albums.
