What happens when you get three lifelong friends that have played in various bands over the years, “grown up”, got “real jobs”/families and then realised something was missing from their lives? You get a beautifully crafted, reawakening album that lifts the spirits, calms the soul and sets your adrenal glands on fire in equal measures.
From the very opener “Five On It” with its screeching and fuzz- fuelled guitars, my ears pricked up and I was sat bolt upright in my seat. I knew this wasn’t your average garage band.
Yes, you’ll hear anthem after indie rock anthem (“Distant Star”, “You All Look Like Giants” and “4am”) on this Oslo’s trio’s debut, that you can’t help but sing along and jump around to, but the album has so much more to offer. Exquisitely produced, I’m awestruck at the intensity of sound and savvy musicianship.
There are tinges of welcomed familiarity ringing throughout from 90s indie rock and pop punk bands (Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Feeder and the likes) in tracks such as “We Are All Gonna Die” and “Bad Friend”, that make you feel like you’re welcoming an old friend with open arms. Whereas haunting “Familiar”, has more hints of avant-garde veterans The Velvet Underground glistening throughout, a breathtaking repose on this record.
Then just when you think you have the album sussed and you know what the band are all about, tracks like “McDonalds (Please Don’t Fuck Up My Order)” whip in and pull the rug from right under your feet leaving you spinning and pleasantly bewildered. An eerie, brooding and lengthy intro gives way to haunting synths and soothing vocals on this most atmospheric track on the album, that terminates in a drenching of distortion and reverb, sublime stuff.
Another absolute highlight is closer “Forever”, a glorious post-punk track with huge burning choruses and a cacophonic finish that is stadium worthy.
The whole album ebbs and flows perfectly, it’s a joyful listen, that knocks you off balance at times and wraps it’s comforting arms around you at others.
- 11.02.19 – Jimmy’s – Manchester
- 12.02.19 – The Garage (Attic Bar) – Glasgow
- 13.02.19 – Think Tank? Underground – Newcastle
- 14.02.19 – Sunflower Lounge – Birmingham
- 15.02.19 – Shacklewell Arms – London
This Is Not The End is out now via By The Time It Gets Dark
Spielbergs: facebook | twitter | bandcamp
