Since releasing what was easily one of the most exciting debuts of 2013, things have been quiet on the new music front from Drenge. That’s not to say that the pair haven’t been busy – between festival appearances, headline tours, and TV spots, the fraternal duo have barely had a pause in which to promote anything new. Until a couple of months ago, that is. The announcement of album number two was met with all manner of excitement and hysteria. After the success of album one, it’s got a lot to live up to. At long last, the wait has paid off: the highly anticipated second album is here.

Having reined in the explosive vitality of their self-titled debut, Drenge now present something entirely more sinister. More calculated than chaotic, Undertow is a snarling journey through the backwaters the brothers call home. Right from the start Eoin’s resounding vocals entice into the album’s shadowy world, as driving drumbeats propel further and further through a swirling fog of layered guitars.

Lead single ‘We Can Do What We Want’ made for a rampageous return, its relentless pace and volatile energy continued into preview track ‘Favourite Son,’ but neither of these demonstrate the album. With it’s near-destructive energy and clamorous rhythmic lead, the closest you’ll hear to the Drenge of singles past comes in the form of Undertow‘s instrumental title track. Dark and dynamic, ‘Undertow’ compels through pounding rhythms and distorted refrains, surging deeper down the rabbit hole that is Drenge’s second record.

With each track on Undertow, the duo bring you closer into the world they inhabit. Album opener ‘Running Wild’ is a forceful introduction to the darkly charismatic spirit that flows through the record. ‘Never Awake’ is a step further into the shadowy depths of the Loveless brothers’ minds, the track’s ceaseless momentum voiding any chance of safe return.

Prayer quoting, vocal crooning, and completed with a searing guitar solo, ‘The Woods’ is as infectious as the Loveless brothers can be. The potent energy of old appears more tightly-honed than ever, held back to clear the way for contagious chorus hooks – the result is entirely captivating. Twirling delicately into life, ‘Standing In The Cold’ is as woeful as they come. “I wait for you in dusky avenues” Eoin echoes, guitar melody drizzling lightly around mournful vocals. Rich solos give way to an unremitting drumbeat and screeching vocals, but instead of descending into expected anarchy, the track rises above the din with harmonious melodies and stadium-sized percussion.

Like a wolf in your Grandma’s clothing, Undertow will draw you in only to spit you back out. More polished though the band may be, they’ve lost none of their urgency. The devilish charm still remains, refined through maturity to an irresistible prowess. More enticing and inviting than ever, Drenge have crafted a spell it’d take magic not to fall under – being bewitched has rarely sounded this good.

Undertow is released on 6th April Infectious Music UK.

Jessica Goodman
@alotlikejessica