Cannibal Animal is the latest punk band to arise from the North. Resembling the sounds of heavy rock and punk bands such as Eagulls and Drenge, their new EP is filled with passionate, raw emotion with dashes of ghostly silences to contrast throughout. There is no doubt that this is just the beginning for the Hull based trio, proving their musicality and anarchism in Human Manuals. 

‘Pincushion Postcard’ begins with eerie vibes, enhancing its punk-rock tones towards the chorus. Reverting to the haunted feel, there’s a constant switch of mood within the track. Solos towards the bridge lift the single up above the dirt, before falling back into the depths of it.

Up next is ‘I Feel Alive’ which has a faster approach to it, despite not having the harshness of its predecessor present within the sound. Complementing the drums and bass mix are the tremendously earthy vocals which complete the track. Following track ‘Cracked’ has a greater emphasis on the instrumental compared to the voice, oozing a subtle emotive power.

Fusing together mysterious guitar sounds and more punk-infused components, ‘It Falls Down’  is an utterly impressive creation.

With a higher focus on the bass, ‘Grand Theft Manual’ is the EP’s concluding track; the band have clearly saved their best till last. With its powerful drums and synthesised notes, the track moves into its attention-grabbing riff, which continues throughout the track. Towards the chorus, there’s an evident shift in the sound with angst-driven lyrics matching the heavy punk tones.

Having received support from the likes of Radio X’s Johnny Kennedy, Punktastic and BBC Introducing alongside a recent live show at Rough Trade, Cannibal Animal’s claim to fame has begun, though is far from ending.

Human Manual is out 13 January, pre-order it here.

Lottie Stuart
@iminavest_