One of the first things I did when I started this blog was
wax lyrical about one of my favourite and one of the very best bands in the UK
punk scene, Brighton’s Gnarwolves. After another amazing summer for the three
piece, where they played the main stage and Reading and Leeds Festivals they
release their self titled debut album, one of the most highly anticipated
releases of the year. Here’s a review of it.
The album explodes into life with some trademark Gnarwolves
almost metal like chords before some vocals that switch between singing and
screaming kick in. Mixing the vocal styles up is something Gnarwolves do really
well and adds a layer or intensity to their songs. Straight away I can imagine
the opening track Prove It being played live, with bodies flying everywhere and
a huge sing along. Prove it is followed by Boneyard. Driven on by some
fantastic drumming from Max the intensity continues as the band sing about
drinking to get past the feeling of loneliness.
Everything You Think You Know starts off with some emo
sounding guitar chords before Thom and Charlie’s aggressive singing style join
the party. On first listen this was one of the stand out tracks on the album, a
more poppy sounding song with another sing along chorus. This is followed by
another stand out track named Bottle To Bottle. This songs begins with just Thom
singing accompanied by a simple guitar strum before the rest of the band join
in for one of the slower paced songs on the album.
The next song Smoking Kills was the first song released for
the album. This song was a bit of a grower for me, I wasn’t completely
convinced by it on first listen but after a few I loved it. The song is about
being able to escape from a bad situation you were born into. Yet another
catchy sing along chorus. The other song Gnarwolves released early was Day Man.
This song has a pop punk feel to it, but unlike a lot of bands who feel the
need to sing pop punk in an accent close to our American brothers Gnarwolves
stick to their own accents and that gives Day One a refreshing feel. It’s about
not being afraid to take a chance and explore something new and being brave
enough to leave behind what you love. I absolutely love the bridge towards the
end of the song that goes “if you must die then die for something, if you’re
gonna follow lets yank the carpet out.”
The next song Hate Me (Don’t Stand Still) reminds me of
Coffee from Gnarwolves Cru EP with the changes in tempo. It starts off at a mid
tempo before slowing down for the second two thirds of the song. It’s an
interesting technique and leaves you listening for more.
The next two song Ebb and Flow could easily fit into one
song. Ebb is another slow burner before it jumps up a gear in Flow. I’m not
sure why they didn’t just make this into one song, I’m certain when they play
it live it will be played as one. Ebb and Flow are followed by the final song
on the album – Eat Dynamite, Kid. The song showcases Charlie’s excellent bass
playing whilst Max provides another driving drum beat. A fast paced song to
close out a debut album with really lived up to its hype. Every time I have
listened to it I have found something else I like. Gnarwolves are about to take
over the world.
Stream Gnarwolves here: http://www.sickchirpse.com/exclusive-stream-gnarwolves-record/
Buy it here: http://gnarwolves.limitedrun.com/
Now listening to Fine, Great by Modern Baseball
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