Still Ruins Celebrate A Powerful Creative Triumph With 'Our Penance': A Standout EP
- STAFF
- Nov 26
- 4 min read
By: Staff
An evocative, atmospheric standout from Still Ruins that radiates stunning artistry and undeniable presence.
Still Ruins came onto our radar with the kind of presence that stops you in your tracks. There is something instantly gripping about how they carry themselves as a band, and what also stood out was the bold confidence running through every second of their sound. It’s the kind of introduction that makes you lean in and pay attention, and this group gives you plenty to admire. The music video for “Our Penance” only doubled that impact, matching the track’s intensity with visuals that pull you straight into their world.
“Still Ruins show a rare command of mood and momentum that feels unforgettable.”
“Our Penance” opens with a fast-paced beat that hits with precision, setting the stage for a wave of overlaid guitars and synths that hover with a soft, weightless sensation. Following that was a rush of sound that immediately locks you into the atmosphere, creating a remarkable first impression that already has us excited for what’s ahead. The whole arrangement moves with purpose, building a space where every detail feels intentional.
“This EP delivers an atmosphere so immediate and gripping it leaves you hanging on every second.”
As the notes cascade across the driving rhythm, the vocals enter with a blissful, soaring lift that completely elevates the moment. Floating above the instrumentation, the voice lands with a powerful and beautiful presence that’s deeply emotional and strikingly authentic, creating a delivery that feels stunning from start to finish. And what also impressed us was how the lyrics rush by with a silky sensation, carrying a texture that invites you to lean even closer.
“The vocal presence on this EP is the kind that turns a great track into something unforgettable.”
Visually, the monochromatic approach of the music video becomes a perfect companion to the track. The tantalizing edits highlight each member of Still Ruins in a way that draws you into their energy, almost like you’re standing right there in the room with them. The momentum mirrors the thrill of a live performance, and the ending. On top of all this, a stripped back piano solo, adds a thoughtful, intimate ending touch to an already beautiful expression.
“The video becomes its own stunning performance, amplifying everything the song does so well.”
One more thing that sets this release apart is the bold creativity in the remixes. From the nightclub-inspired punch of the “Normal Bias Remix” to the resonant and atmospheric “They Are Gutting A Body of Water Remix,” there are no boundaries this band can’t explore. Each version opens a new door into their sound, showing just how fearless and inventive they are when reshaping their own work.
“These remixes prove Still Ruins are not just making music, they’re building a world.”
The production brings a textured, genuine quality that adds even more weight to the experience. It carries the vibe of something captured in the moment, almost as if one incredible take was all it needed. What also clearly stands out is how the engineers aimed to preserve that raw, powerful character, and the result is fantastic.
“This recording glows with a lived-in warmth that makes every beat and breath feel real.”
This release shows just how much potential Still Ruins carry, and we’re looking forward to seeing them continue making massive strides in the industry. There’s a spark here that feels unstoppable, and it’s exciting to imagine where they’ll take it next.
“Still Ruins are carving out a path that feels huge, inspired, and ready for the world.”
“Our Penance” reveals Still Ruins as a bold, imaginative force delivering a vivid, electrifying performance that lingers long after it ends.
Still Ruins bring a striking sense of identity to everything they create, shaping a sonic world that feels expansive, artful, and completely their own. Their style carries a vibrant mix of sophistication and atmosphere, merging shimmering melodies with expressive vocals and a distinctly modern pulse that sets them apart. There’s a cinematic quality woven into their approach, the kind that invites listeners into a vivid emotional landscape while still keeping the music grounded in something fresh and forward-thinking.
Formed in 2020 by Frankie Soto, Jose Medina, and Cyrus Vandenberghe, Still Ruins developed a signature blend rooted in Sophisti-Pop and Dream-Pop, powered by a subtle yet magnetic Post-Punk spirit. Their self-titled debut EP, released through Smoking Room in January 2024, introduced a sound both stylish and deeply expressive. With a full-length album set for Fall 2026, the band is clearly building toward something remarkable, and every release so far shows their natural instinct for creating music that resonates on a deeper level.
We’re so excited to have found and can’t wait to hear more from the incredibly talented Still Ruins!
