EP: Vulgarians - 'Almost Instinct, Almost True'

Vulgarians have blessed our ears with their new EP Almost Instinct, Almost True which is due to be released tomorrow (5th May), and fans of The Wytches (who the band recently supported on tour) are definitely going to approve of the Hull group’s psych-spiked, post-punk new offering.

The EP’s title is a line taken from the revered Hull poet Philip Larkin’s poem ‘Arundel Tomb’, which is featured in his 1964 collection Whitsun Weddings. Larkin was famed for his cynicism and wit, and it’s seeped in to Vulgarians sound. ‘Of Humdrum Consumption’ opens the EP with its manic vocals, spiralling riffs and relentless rhythm section, and it’s a tune that can’t easily be “pulled off of your skin”,

Second track ‘Career Dietary’ follows suit and has a superbly catchy chorus, as well as a memorable lyric that highlights “the versatility of a man dressed in black”. It boasts some filthy bass and more trademark animated vocals. Vulgarians have a knack for tapping in to the dark side of the most unusual or mundane situations, and on closing track ‘Hands Around The Waste’ they manage to make a brief acquaintance with a psychotic taxi driver sound oddly poetic. It’s easy to picture and hear “the tremor of your lips and stutter of speech” that lead vocalist Ryan sings about.

Produced by MJ of Hookworms (Honeyblood, Eagulls, Pulled Apart By Horses), Vulgarians’ new EP is a sharp, savagely satisfying listen. The band will be touring the UK throughout May, so make sure you catch them on one of the dates below. It’ll be hard to “stay in your seat” when you hear the new tunes live.

Vulgarians Tour Dates:

May 10th – Headrow House, Leeds
May 11th – Soup Kitchen, Manchester
May 12th – Picture House, Sheffield
May 13th – The Priory, Glasgow
May 16th – Full Moon Club, Cardiff
May 18th – 20th – The Great Escape, Brighton
May 22nd – Crofter’s Rights, Bristol
May 23rd – Old Blue Last, London
May 26th – The Polar Bear, Hull
May 27th – Rock City Basement, Nottingham

Photo Credit: Luke Hallett

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut