This band from Dublin pays a tense energetic version of raw-powered post-punk that is inspired by SAVAGES, yet does its own thing. However, their formula from the first song is repeated almost verbatim in the second song. So what else can they do is going to be the question I ask of this band throughout my review. They do switch up the tension in the first verse of "Cathedral" but they can not keep themselves from exploding in a very similar manner to what we heard from them in the first two songs. 'Shaking their Hands" finds them straying from the formula they employed in the first three songs. This pays off for the band, as it makes the sonic shift they take more effective and it feels like one of their best songs thus far.
We got a palm-muted punk verse for "Adore Adore Adore" which is the most punk moment they have had so far. It works well, as it adds to the established energy and angst. 'Shadow of a Doubt' does not engage me as much as the previous song, though it does not default back to the formula it is looking in that direction. There is more of a Smiths feel to the guitar of "Can't Get Enough of It". Karla Chubb is not Morrissey when it comes to pipes, and is more of a punk vocalist than not. She does work well with what she has.
"Literary Mind' is a fun punk song, that jangles like indie rock with its 90s level brooding. I think leaning into their punk side is a smart move as I think that is who this band is at their core. This is a much more well-produced album than what punk normally goes for which is where the indie rock aspirations come into play. At times the organic warmth of the guitars reminds me of "Dirty" era Sonic Youth, the overdriven bass tones add to this comparison. "Up and Comer" ponders their existence as a punk, before exploding out at you. It is another return to punk, making it one of the more compelling songs that also employs the more post-punk tension. There is dissonance driving the title track that closes the album. Overall, punk needs more bands that take chances like these kids, I will give this one a 9, as they break from their own formulas and the confines of the genre.
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