Labels: self released
Review by: Peter James Beswick
What can I say other than ‘Holy Shit!’ what a cracking demo. This is a demo! Many bands would give their left testicles to get down on tape one track as good as any of these three on any EP or album they might ever release. I get the feeling that whilst loud enough to annoy most that this band is destined to be one of those success stories that we all pretend we hate but secretly have all their albums. You know the ones I mean, like Rolo Tomassi or The Blood Brothers before them. You still have those At The Drive-In cds in the box under your bed. Don’t pretend you’ve always bought stuff on vinyl. It just doesn’t wash. You know the bands I mean. Bands that break into commercial territory (not through sound but hype) and are hailed as genius by music critics and people who still attend Fear Factory concerts. They are Americans too. That always helps. People like Americans, right???
‘Big Poison, Little Poison’ is a great opener that establishes what you can expect throughout the demo. There are explosive outbursts, catchy moments and the feeling that something special is in the air. ‘Bones’ is the stand out track which is rare since it is sandwiched between two others. If this was a true demo and this band is after a deal then this would be the track. If this is an EP then I have to say it really makes no difference, they don’t peak too early. ‘Your Party’ has enough variety and enough bark to make you mini mosh on the spot, shaking your head, throwing your hair around (if you still have any “” I don’t these days!) and generally feeling that you are having a good time right now. Which if you have any taste you should be. This is your new favourite band. They certainly have my interest. I can imagine a multicolour vinyl that just have to have gold in there somewhere. Hot cakes is not the word.
The sad part of this is that it is over too quickly. On one hand I am glad to see a band making a demo instead of an EP when they are in reality just not ready for it. On the other hand this band is so ready for it that I just want to hear more. Maybe that is why it works so well? Do yourself a favour and check them out before everyone else does. If you are a label and you need a buzzing record then go and make yourself legend. Let us just hope that they can stay together and not hate each other and split up before this potential greatness can be realised. That happens to too many up and coming future heroes. Watch this space. Did I just write that? Sometimes I hate myself…