The band’s name is of the kind that would hint at something seriously dark and nihilistic, punk, post-punk or metal, and coupled with the ‘parental advisory’ sticker on the cover, the last thing you’d be likely to expect would be an album pitched as being ‘for fans of Frightened Rabbit, The Smiths, The National and Gaslight Anthem’.
But inspired to make music following a break-up, Marc Newby has channelled some serious angst and vitriol into his lyrics. ‘Young cunts with their conversation, keeping me uptight with skinny clothes, I’ll be fucked if I’m becoming one of those’ are the album’s opening lines.
The easy-going jangling indie sound that dominates the album is the velvet glove that contains a steel fist with razors implanted in the knuckles. There’s a Wedding Present / C86 vibe to the uptempo ‘Signals’, and Johnny Marr’s influence is woven into many of the tracks. The spiky punk edge of ‘Hockey Stick’ finds Newby in a fiery mood, and contrasts with the downbeat ‘Teeth’ and the almost acapella ‘Megamouth’ which closes the album off in a more reflective place.
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In short, it’s not only full of surprises, but also rather good.
War Waves Online
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