Nicole Brice
Oct 31, 2025
Echoes captures the energy of its influences while firmly standing in the present.
Released on October 10, 2025, Echoes is the first full-length album from Scotland's Caustic Waves. Before this, the band released the Full Circle EP in 2023 and several singles. This new album marks a significant turn for Caustic Waves, and I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store. While I refer to it as a "band," Caustic Waves is actually a one-man project helmed by the prolific musician Neil Thomas. The production and mixing on the album were done by Lewis Johns, a UK producer known for his work with Rolo Tommasi, Employed To Serve, Earthtone9 and loads of other great UK bands.
Across its dynamic range—spanning intricate, polyrhythmic passages to soaring anthemic hooks—Echoes captures the energy of its influences while firmly standing in the present. It is a testament to Neil Thomas’ ability to balance intensity, melody, and emotion, resulting in a record that is both personal and powerful.
Leading up to this release, we reviewed the singles ‘Escape Your Fate,’ ‘Compromised,’ ‘Playing with Fire,’ and ‘Quicksand’ in our online publication, so be sure to check out our thoughts on those tracks. For now, let’s dive into Echoes.
Echoes consists of 11 songs and runs about 45 minutes, and is a very diverse offering of solid alternative rock. Each song is so unique and full of so many layers. If you have the time, just hit play and enjoy! We’ll break down each track for you.
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Echoes (Title Track)Â
This song serves as a very strong opening to the album. It kicks off with an immediate, heavy bassline that seamlessly transitions into Neil’s vocals. The chorus is powerful and energetic, making it a solid rock track that really resonates.
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Artificial Lies
This song has a thunderous opening with the bass and drums that will definitely get your head nodding. The energy continues to build until Neil sings, "Biting my tongue as you turn and walk away." This song reminds me of early Incubus, and I think it’s a great track.
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Escape Your Fate
Read the review here.
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Quicksand
Read the review here.
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Spotlights
This song has a softer opening than the other songs, with a nice 90s-inspired alternative edge. It’s got this engaging groove that draws you in. You’ll enjoy this one.
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Playing with Fire
Read the review here.
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Insignificance
Man, I really really dig this track. It’s so different with a great chorus. I’m struggling to describe it for you all. Here’s the best description: Do you like 90s rock? This song is for you.
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Blessing in Disguise
This song is an upbeat track full of great messages. Listen closely.
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Compromised
Read the review here.
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Shadow of the Son
This is the one song on this album that truly stands out, just because it's so different from the others. It’s got a great beat and is a fun song.
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Neon Claws
This is the last song on Echoes and begins with a pop punk sort of riff, and then just starts jamming. Solid tune.
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Echoes is a heartfelt and well-crafted album that honors the past while establishing its own identity. This solid and engaging album is filled with nostalgia, channeling the sound and spirit of late 90s and early 2000s alternative rock and grunge, all while adding a fresh, modern edge. Go stream it today!
To learn more about Caustic Waves:
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‎Caustic Waves - Apple Music
Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com.