Under their previous moniker Heavy Petting Zoo, they’d played with the likes of Menace Beach and Eagulls, building up a reputation for their fantastic live shows. Now known as Beach Fatigue, the band is set to release their self-titled debut album.
The album sees Beach Fatigue explore their sound through twelve incredibly exciting tracks, never straying too far from their garage rock/riot grrrl sound, but rather exploring it to a greater depth. With the addition of various new sounds – synths, organs and Kaoss pads to be specific – they reach new territories, give live favourites a new lease of life and, ultimately, make their sound even bigger and even better.
Amy Zachariah’s vocals are, thankfully, as riot grrrl influenced as ever; though she may be backed by more bluesy sounds, her vocals remain commanding, uncompromising and admirably aggressive. By no means about to get overshadowed by the music – no matter how loud and driven it may be – Amy’s charmingly crass and self-assured: the epitome of a fantastic front-woman.
The more I listen to the album the more I like it: Beach Fatigue take potentially messy genre-bending and own it. From the hypnotic rhythms of ‘To Die For’, to the bluesy vibes of ‘Shallow Grave’ and an overriding theme of psychedelia, there’s no end to Beach Fatigue’s abilities. Rather than their experimentation resulting in an album of twelve very mismatched tracks, they manage to take a huge host of influences and package them together in a sickeningly cool package.
It’s easy to forget this is a debut simply because of its strength. Everything Beach Fatigue do is executed with a breezy nonchalance – a don’t give a f*ck attitude that is just as evident in their lyrics, but by no means taints their dedication or sound.
For tips on exactly how to write a debut – and for a sinking sense of self-confidence because you’ll never be quite as cool as Amy Zachariah – look no further than Beach Fatigue.
Beach Fatigue’s eponymous debut album is due for release 4 March via Kool Girl Records.
Melissa Svensen
@MelYeaahh
Melissa Svensen
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