ALBUM REVIEW: Honeyblood 'Honeyblood'

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Take two Glaswegian girls; add rock heavy drums and shoe gazing guitar and you’ve got Honeyblood, the kick ass, all girl duo. Their self-titled debut is the break up album that puts ‘Super Rat’ exes firmly in their place. Reeking of female dominance, the pair present the indie heavy EP produced by Peter Katis Tarquin, (The National and Interpol). With only two instrument and Tweeddale’s vocals, Tarquin has helped them to create a fully formed album with minima tools, guiding them on the path to success.

‘Fall Forever’ is the confident, kick ass opener that amplifies the twosome’s indie-rock persona. Immediately Tweeddale’s imposing vocals show us that if you piss her off, you’ll know about it. ‘Killer Bangs’ is the pop weighty follow up. It almost lulls you into a false sense of security with its upbeat sing a long vibe. Little do you know that what is to come is Tweeddale’s pent up, ex boyfriend shaped aggression.

She begins with ‘Super Rat’. “Scum bag, sleaze, slime ball grease”. Lyrically it is quite harsh, though her feminine tone softens the whole thing. She sings with malice and aggression. The obvious heartbreak soon turns in to self-assurance in ‘Id Rather Be’. “When you gonna get out of this dump, diamonds don’t keep well in the rough.” Dulcet harmonies and chord driven melodies compliment Tweeddale’s crisp vocals.

‘Biro’ is Tweeddale’s reminder to herself that she will not be broken. “All the pain you’ve been through will be the making of you”. Both of these mark a change in the direction of the album and the songs become softer and more guitar driven. Through their use of strummed minor chords and hazy harmonies, Honeyblood bear resemblance to The Cranberries’ Celtic queen Sinead O’Connor (minus the shaven head).

With fellow L.A duo, Deep Valley and British Lads, Royal Blood, twosomes are becoming a growing popularity in today’s music scene. Though their set up is minimal, it doesn’t compromise on their full sound. With pop tracks like ‘Bud’ and heavier, more intimidating tracks like ‘Choker’ Honeyblood have shown some variation throughout the album. ‘Braid Burn Valley (Blink, Now You’ve Missed it)’ rounds of the aggressive bulk with soft piano in the hidden track at the end.

In terms of style, Honeyblood’s debut is certainly nothing new. There are crowd pleasers and listener friendly tracks, though amongst all of the many comparisons, the Scottish duo have still managed to freshen up the well-worn genre that is indie.