What a productive year it's been for Small Step Records. Not only has the burgeoning label released multiple EPs this year, it's also signed several new artists to its roster. One of those new artists, the German punk band DONA LUZI, has chosen the penultimate Friday of 2023 to unleash their new EP, Whispers of Pain.

The duo's introductory EP is just that: an introduction. Not that they phoned it in or that it's merely a demo or anything - it's simply a short collection of four songs that are meant to show what they're capable of and what they'll be bringing to the table. And what they bring is an anthemic and upbeat pop punk sound that's quite comparable to their labelmates Light the Way. "Control" is possibly the best example of DONA LUZI's overall sound: it features driving guitars, dual vocals; a catchy hook, softer melodic portions, and even a touch of screaming. "Childhood" may be my pick for the best track, though. I love the energy, melodies, and riffs, and Dominik and Naomi's dynamic vocals really complement each other well. While Naomi tends to be the quieter, more reserved vocalist, Dominik is loud and explosive; he also frequently reminds me of Tom DeLonge of blink 182 (or, in some instances, Tom DeLonge of Angels & Airwaves).

Once you hit play with the opening track of Whispers of Pain, it isn't long before it comes to an end. But in the EP's 11-plus-minute runtime, you can really get a sense of who the band is. When the time comes for a more complete experience, I'll know what I'm getting into, and based on these four songs, I'm thinking I'm going to like it.

- Review date: 12/18/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 Record Label: Small Step Records
 Album length: 4 tracks: 11 minutes, 37 seconds
 Street Date: December 22, 2023
 Buy It: SmallStepRecords.com

1. Take Me Home (2:47)
2. Control (2:49)
3. Safeplace (3:02)
4. Childhood (2:59)