There have been a number of factors all through the final decade the place it seemed like UK indie rock may find yourself eternally caught in a post-punk loop. Thankfully amidst the familiarity of this newest revival, a crop of younger bands went in the other way; jettisoning post-punk’s wiry, pared-down strategy in favour of one thing extra ornate, progressive and grandiose.
This thrilling new department of UK ‘indie’ (if there’s any that means left in that ageing time period) took on myriad shapes, from the resplendent melodrama of Black Nation, New Street to the dangerous journey mania of Black Midi. These formidable, forward-thinking bands served as welcome proof that various rock music had but to wholly capitulate to retro revivalism – and Man/Girl/Chainsaw are a quintessential product of this genre-busting period.
Few debuts are as concurrently daring and accessible as ‘Eazy Peazy’. The likes of ‘Ode to Clio’, which swells from light embers to a finale inferno, throws rock music’s acquainted structuring out the window, while retaining a agency sense of inside logic. Nearer ‘EZPZ’ gives a extra brute pressure instance, sustaining a gripping depth throughout three minutes of intricate and continuously shifting orchestral heaviness.
The band’s fusion of grand strings and pianos with extra conventional, riff-based rock chaos is a broad success. ‘Sports activities Day’ accommodates one or two concepts too many, with the orchestral melodies erring near pointless cacophony. Elsewhere, nonetheless, this OTT strategy works with spectacular class; see the straightforward however potent violin motif that recurs all through ‘Ode to Clio’ and the interlocking strings and keys that arrive with immaculate precision halfway by means of ‘The Boss’.
This instrumental melange displays Man/Girl/Chainsaw’s ultra-contemporary, post-ironic lyrical voice. Just like the internet-dominated tradition during which they had been raised, the band smash by means of the normal boundaries that separate irony and sincerity, tilting from arch however soulful college recollections of ‘Sports activities Day’ to the summary literary musings of ‘Ode to Clio’ (“sprawled throughout my kitchen ground / she’s solely legs and arms / her limbs like hairs / unfold out starfish”).
Crucially, these metamodern tonal jumps possess actual emotional energy, matching the musical bravura. ‘Eazy Peazy’ virtually fizzes with youthful vitality and the chances of musical creation. It’s uncooked and throws every part in its sizeable arsenal on the wall, nonetheless, principally every part sticks. The ensuing effort’s audacious vitality is a sight to behold and whips with sufficient pressure to spin your head clear off your shoulders.
Particulars
- Launch Date: November 8
- Label: Fats Possum Information
