Karen Dió – Fugaz
Release Date: 21st August 2026
Label: Hopeless Records
Drifting back round in her ‘Sick Ride’ with her new EP Fugaz in the passenger seat, Karen Dió is back and is now backed by Hopeless Records. Fugaz, Portuguese for ‘fleeting’, is the perfect descriptor. It’s short, snappy and, much like the high kick on the cover, it’s kick-ass. Despite the tracks averaging out at 2 minutes, Dió has a lot to say amidst the repetitive chorus hooks and gratifying vocal runs. “Bound by nothing,” as sung in first track ‘Euphoria,’ Dió’s Fugaz exudes authenticity as she continues her rebellious streak.
We pull up to the party with the fade-in club music intro to ‘Free Yourself:’ a track encouraging protest and simply enjoying yourself. ‘Choke’ is the staple angry punk track of the EP with its taunting guitar riffs and chaotic drum fill accompaniments. Isolated vocals and a build on dynamics in the bridge make for a powerful final chorus. “I will give you the ropes so you can hang yourself with what you say” sounds like a promise, and notably, a step up from kicking guys in the junk.
Unexpectedly, Dió comes out of left field with ‘Crawling’. A passion piece of softer vocals, solemn guitar, pain-laden vocal frys and lyrics direct from soul to microphone. Title track ‘Fugaz’ closes off the EP: a brief yet cathartic experience after Dió takes us through freedom, anger, protest, hurt, and euphoria.
Much like the EP name suggests, this is just a mere snippet of what Dió has to offer. With an EP having this much buzz surrounding it, it does make you wonder what she could do with an album. Meeting her goal of making Brazilian punk rock globally known could be just around the corner.
Recommended Track: Choke
Rating: 7/10