Since forming in the late summer sun of 2016, the emo collective have solidified a robust reputation for themselves in recent years. Yet it was their 2019 long play debut Through Love & Death, You’re All I Have Left yet fully catapulted the band into the public eye of the UK emo scene. Two years and one pandemic later, Dude Trips are keeping the momentum running with what may be their most earnest material to date.
Laying it all on the line for melancholic opener ‘Leaving’ the acoustic number sets the tone as Dude Trips ease comfortably into the uncomfortably raw quite literally wearing their vulnerabilities on their chests. Seemingly talking about the pain of deteriorating health and eventual death the song is short but the message is clear.
Lead single ‘Evergreen’ is a straight up anthem reminiscent of the sorts of quality dished out by Seaway, Weatherstate and even Deaf Havana. A song that talks of the highs and lows of a relationship commenting on past times, the pain felt both at the time and the feeling of missing the good times now it is over. Vocalist and bassist Jamie Mathers said: “I haven’t written too many break up songs but I feel this one is emotive and the most important one I have written to date—showing that everything can fall apart even at the best of times. My partner at the time struggled a lot with mental health and something I learned along the way is that although you’re there to help, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to just go away. She still means a lot to me and I guess this song is a thank you to her for the time we spent together.”
Additionally the song talks of depression and the effects of suicide and this has been an important message the band have raised awareness for as well as raising proceeds for Y Suffer In Silence, a local charity that support those struggling with mental health disorders and issues.
Where the EP weaves in and out of feelings of loss, mental health and even happiness ‘1964’ feels like a real personal one. “I heard your Dad was buried the day before you married, couple weeks before your birthday, the shit you must have carried” opens the track and seemingly offers no reprieve but instead pays tribute to an individual who was loved.
The one two punch of ‘Polola’ and ‘Stay’ offer some emotive relief as the “upbeat” section of the EP. There is a level of positivity to both tracks, particularly in ‘Polola’, with further reflection on the amazing feeling felt seemingly in that incredible start to any relationship where you are entirely consumed by that individual. Vocal line “I can’t wait for morning, because I don’t to leave this bed, don’t want to leave your side at all” rings out as the song fades but there is a sense complete joy and a relatable takeaway too.
Yet, just in case you weren’t already crying, closer ‘Gentle’ is the story of losing a pet. The song holds no bars either, vividly describing the details of those moments leading up to the furry friend’s death and, in this case, the hole it left behind following this loss. “If I have the chance when they lay me to rest, i’ll put myself next to you so you can sleep on my chest just like you did back when you were a pup” feels like the perfect summary of Dude Trips iconic weighty strain they have become so we know for, a brutal honesty felt but often not vocalised.
Unsurprisingly You Are The Reason I Hate Leaving is rich in its intricate story-telling with its direct themes and clear personal messages shining through though also staying relatable and open to interpretation. Vivid storytelling, fantastic dual vocals sprinkled throughout and whole-heartedly captivating the entire way through, this is yet another slice of sadness the listener will willingly want to feel a part of.