Sled Island Edition: Water Margin - Gleaming Cursed

Written By Artemis Peaslee

Kingfisher Bluez & Placeholder Records

Released on February 28th, 2025

Explosive post-hardcore energy from the very first second, the mathematical synchronization, pounding bass, fuzzy yet focused guitar, and complicated drumwork, Water Margin’s Gleaming Cursed has all this, and more. Every song is frenetic, each section with expertly syncopated instrumentation, and passionate vocal performance. The whole album is very evocative of bands like Drive Like Jehu and One Last Wish, but remains wholly original all the way through. 

The variance between songs keeps this album exciting to listen to. For example, the song “Two Eggs” is fast paced, feels somewhat Fugazi-inspired, the proggy guitars layered over top the driving bass throughout the track help to keep the energy alive all the way through. Contrasted with the following song “Palisades,” a slower song with a remorseful energy, letting you soak in the feelings being thrown at you; at first through the shouted vocals, and later on in the quiet low, almost humming vocals. The energy is constantly shifting on this project, making it a captivating listen all the way through.

Water Margin plays Sled Island on Saturday, June 21st at the Palomino at 11:30PM.

Artemis Peaslee

Despite appearances, Artemis is in fact not goth: her favourite genres of music are Indie, Southern Hip Hop, Metalcore, and Jazz. Growing up in a musical family, she was enveloped in her local Edmonton scene essentially at birth, growing up listening to hardcore, punk, folk, indie, rap, emo and more. Currently she plays bass in the All-Trans Metalcore band CHASER, influenced by bands like The Chariot, Seeyouspacecowboy, and early Bring Me the Horizon. At time of writing Artemis considers herself a big fan of the following artists: Boys Night Out, Miles Davis, Project Pat, Car Seat Headrest, Despised Icon, Adrianne Lenker, LCD Soundsystem, Joey Valance & Brae, Hawksley Workman, Wu-Tang Clan, Attack in Black, Sibylle Baier, Jisei, Fiona Apple, The Weakerthans, Placebo, and World of Pleasure

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