Echo Scale™: 4.6/5 ★★★★✩
From Ann Arbor with Grit: Tension Splash Return With a V8 Roar
Every band says “it’s for the music,” but Blur is more than another nostalgia cash-in—it’s a resurrection, a love letter to a lost friend, and a reminder that proper alt-rock never dies, it just sits quietly in the garage until someone fires up the supercharger again. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in ‘92, Tension Splash smashed their way onto the scene with a self-titled LP and the Soak EP, working with gold-record producer Tim Patalan (Sponge). But in ‘97, it all went quiet, and for years their legacy sat in the shadows. Fast-forward to a 2019 reunion, remixing old tracks with Tim, and four unreleased songs emerge from the vault—unfinished, but loaded with potential. Then, heartbreak: bassist Mike Bertsch passes suddenly in 2020. Instead of letting the past slip away, Gray (vocals/guitar), Nick (lead guitar), and Sean (drums) regroup. With Tim back in the mix, they pour their grief and their grit into finishing the Blur EP—a record that’s as much a memorial as it is a statement of intent.
Willing – Big Noise, Big Hooks, Big Heart
No easing you in—“Willing” explodes out the gate with attitude, volume, and a riff that doesn’t just knock, it breaks down the door. It’s classic Tension Splash: chunky, well-placed vocals from Gray, who sounds like a bloke who’s been through it all and decided he’s having the last word. The guitar tone is massive—think ‘90s radio rock but with way more teeth. Every section hits, but it’s that guitar solo that puts the icing on the cake—flashy but tasteful, no noodling for the sake of it. The band feels like a tight unit, playing with a fire that’s rare these days. As opening tracks go, “Willing” is an absolute ripper—no notes, just press repeat.
Firefly – Mellow to Mayhem
Don’t let the gentle, clean guitar at the start fool you—“Firefly” is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Thirty seconds in, the mask drops and the hard rock engine roars to life. Big, juicy riffs land like punches, the drums lock in, and those vocals are once again bang on the money: “lived-in” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Gray’s delivery sounds like a man with stories to tell and scars to prove it, a voice you trust instantly because you know he’s not making any of it up. The chorus soars, the verses brood, and the whole track manages to feel classic without falling into cliché. It’s rock, but with a genuine pulse and plenty of guts.
Scared – Soulful Slow-Burner
“Scared” pulls the handbrake and lets you drift. It’s a chilled, moody piece with beautiful guitar work on the intro—a patience not often seen in a world of three-minute singles. Over a minute ticks by before the first vocal line, and by that point you’re hanging on every note. No drums, no distractions, just a song stripped down to pure emotion. When the vocals hit, they cut deep, floating on top of a lush, soulful arrangement. Clocking in at nearly seven minutes (6:51), this one’s for the late-night drives and headphones—honest, heartfelt, and never forced.
7:45 AM / Breathe – Rock Opera, Tension Splash Style
How do you finish an EP like this? By going all-in with an epic ten-minute, 38-second journey that flexes every muscle the band has. “7:45 AM / Breathe” opens with a lovely, peaceful piano—evoking early morning calm, that breath-before-the-storm. The guitar sneaks in quietly, building tension, and at 1:45 the drums explode onto the scene. Suddenly, it’s big guitars, bass grooves, and flashy riffs—showmanship at every turn, but always in service of the song. At four minutes, the drums drop out, only to come back at 4:51 with a dramatic build and a style change. The drummer leads the charge, switching feels, showing real versatility. Vocals finally arrive just over five minutes in, carrying that same lived-in power as ever. For a track that spans nearly eleven minutes, it never drags. It’s proof that Tension Splash know exactly how to stretch out and still keep you locked in. This is how you do a long-form rock song—there’s fuel in this old tank, and make no mistake, it’s a V8 supercharger beast.
Final Verdict: The Past, Present, and What’s Still to Come
Blur isn’t just a postscript for Tension Splash—it’s a reminder that great bands don’t fade, they hibernate and come out swinging when the time is right. Every song drips with authenticity, from the riotous energy of “Willing” to the expansive drama of “7:45 AM / Breathe.” It’s a fitting tribute to Mike Bertsch and a triumphant return for the band. For fans of proper 90s rock, grunge, and big, honest songwriting, Blur is a must-hear.
Catch them live if you can—there’s nothing like the real thing, and if this EP proves anything, it’s that Tension Splash have plenty left in the tank.
Echo Scale™: 4.6/5 ★★★★✩
