Tracks Of The Week, 06.01.17 - GigslutzGigslutz

Though Black Mamba Fever may pride themselves on being uncool, describing themselves as “a band that truly embodies the concept of having little to no dress sense / that captures the spirit of a mid 2000’s BBC 3 sitcom / that despite all their efforts can not shake off the ability to play guitar solos with a sense of disappointment,” their debut release says otherwise.

‘Feel The Strain’ is, in fact, incredibly cool. Though merged with an underlying humour, this almost adds to the effect. There’s something so nonchalant, so blasé, about the track’s punky, raucous sound; ‘Feel The Strain’ is the debut of a band who aren’t trying to be cool: they actually are.

‘Feeling The Strain’ is out now via iTunes and a special 7″ edition is due for release next week, pre-order here.

While I’m sure we’ve all learnt by now not to doubt the power of a two piece, I still find myself stunned by the sheer amount of noise they can make. The latest to banish all doubts are Vulpynes. Since forming, the duo have perfected their sound, as showcased in their latest offering, ‘OCD’. From snarling vocals to relentless riffs, Vulpynes’ sound is endlessly driven.

Though they’ve only been together for a short time, ‘OCD’ is the sound of a band who have it down, and as 2016 proved, with relentless gigging, radio plays and general acknowledgment, they definitely do.

‘OCD’ is out 13 January via iTunes and Spotify.

Floating somewhere between Fat White Family and Sleaford Mods – but somehow miles above both – IDLES ended 2016 on a high, with ‘Well Done’. And heading out on a massive 25 date tour in March/April, and with their debut album Brutalism set for release in March, now’s as good a time as any to get acquainted with the band.

IDLES are hard to ignore: confrontational, political, with yells of “Mary Berry loves reggae,” ‘Well Done’ embodies everything IDLES are about. Aggressive, but incredibly addictive; political but with an air of dark humour surrounding them.

Having gained support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Annie Mac and Steve Lamacq, ‘Well Done’ has put IDLES at the very top of everyone’s ones to watch lists.

Brutalism is set for release 10 March.

Taken from last year’s self-released debut EP Tawl Friend, but a very recent addition to streaming services, ‘Cockroach’ is a wonderful offering from the equally wonderful Tall Friend.

Calming, charming and ever so sweet, ‘Cockroach’ is an ode to Charlie Pfaff’s song-writing abilities. It may be simple, but it’s exactly that simplicity that’s so effective. I’m admittedly bad for skipping songs, yet something about ‘Cockroach,’ its simplicity and its charming wit – “yeah I miss you / but I miss everyone else too” – are completely enticing. At 2 and a half minutes, it’s almost too short.

Tall Friend are set to release full length debut Safely Nobody’s in Spring 2017.