Discovery Of The Week: Bugeye

If you’re looking for a sound that incorporates familiarity with unfamiliarity, look no further than Bugeye. The trio cut their teeth in the late 90s supporting bands like The Cranberries, and they’re back with their infectious indie-disco sound after reforming last year.

They’ve recently released Never Let You Go, a brand new EP which sees the band hone their “beautifully, unapologetic riot grrrl-inspired” sound.

Opening track ‘Disco Dancer’ – as the name implies – is a funky, sharply produced track with guitar hooks reminiscent of Le Tigre’s ‘Deceptacon’. Bugeye are able to blend the nostalgic and the new to create songs which are “quirky, dramatic, offbeat, and intensely groovy”.

Penultimate track ‘Helga’ is equally as catchy as ‘Disco Dancer’ (which has been released as a free download), and Angela Martin’s strong, bitter-sweet vocals run parallel to her cool guitar riffs and Paula Snow’s funky bass hooks.

Title track ‘Never Let You Go’ will have you throwing more shifty, sultry shapes around the dance floor for another five minutes, as drummer Jack Houston keeps things steady on percussion. The track is accompanied by a music video which explores the theme of domestic abuse, and was directed by Emma Nathan (who also directed Anna Calvi’s ‘Suddenly’).

With a sound that’s both retro and remarkably fresh, it’s easy to see why Bugeye have been making waves again on the London live music scene. Invest in Never Let You Go, and lose yourself in their brooding bass lines, and cool alternative sound.

Never Let You Go is out now via Repeat Records/Badger Recording Co and is available to buy on iTunes.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut