BABY STRANGE "EXTENDED PLAY" EP REVIEW

Baby Strange are the kings of rapid punk rock! Their 2016 debut album “Want it, Need It” was a congregation of wonderfully curated punk bangers. They create the kind of songs you know you’ll be tapping your knee and humming too all day at work. You’ll find yourself chanting those catchy chorus hooks and running verse melodies until you’re blue in the face. Heavily endorsed by Slaves, these Glasgow lads aren’t shy of an anthem or two. For a band with just the one album under their belt they’ve managed to accumulate quite the catalogue of tracks so far. With the likes of ‘Pure Evil’, ‘Pleasure City and ‘Friend’ in their arsenal they’re poised, ready and well equipped to take on the UK music industry with cut throat precision.

There’s no two ways about it, their agenda is punky but it’s delivered in the freshest of manners, putting that scrappy/ messy stereotype on the bench and bringing a sharp, professional and crisp aura to the starting eleven. ‘Friend’ has such a self-assured swagger that it wouldn’t sound out of place lining up next to the likes of ‘Fell In Love With A Girl’ by The White Stripes on an all-time ‘Punk & Indie Rock Classics’ playlist. That’s enough about the past though we’re here to discuss their current venture, the NEWLY released ‘Extended Play’. This EP hit the shelves on 14th June 2017, it’s 14 minutes of pure heart in mouth, nail biting, suspense rock and roll. They’ve managed to retain that signature adrenaline fuelled tempo on tracks like ‘Motormind’ and ‘Play Me’ that are a whirlwind of happy slap punk with strobe lighting power chords and funky drum and bass.

They haven’t just delivered more of the same with this EP though, much alike on their previous track ‘Pure Evil’ they prove that they’re more than capable of venturing away from home to secure a win. ‘Bring Me Down’ is a fantastic little number, it feels like they’ve thrown some bluesy tones into it. Starting with a sharp chord progression that’s supported by plucky bass and poppy drums this track wouldn’t sound out of place on The Black Keys ‘El Camino’ album. It has that really twangy, open desert wasteland vibe about it. They still manage to squeeze that catchy chorus in there though with the chanty ‘I want to hurt somebody’ lyric, that’s sure to worm its way into your brain and hatch offspring. It’s different though, even borderline sexy if you like. We can imagine strutting down the road to this flicking fag butts and tilting a pair of black wayfarers as we glance ominously at passers-by. One of our fav’s for sure!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lqDcukNYe4

“Young Team” seems to follow a similar trend, also a track that wouldn’t stand out like a nun in a brothel if placed on The Black Keys ‘El Camino’ album. Admittedly it has a hell of a lot more drive about it than half the tracks on that LP but there are vague similarities, primarily in those suave chords again. It’s funky with an assertively prominent bassline. It runs along with a mind of its own whilst the guitar provides an almost ska’ish rhythm during the verse. Punk meets bluesy ska! WE LOVE IT. The aforementioned “Play Me” is one of the EP’s faster tracks, prepare to sweat listening to this one. You’ll be bouncing off the walls of your bedroom like a tabby on a lifetime supply of catnip. It’s weird to make a comparison with a band that, themselves, have just started out but this track has a bit of ‘Cabbage’ about it. Almost borderline psychotic with their tempo and flow, it feels a little unhinged throughout. On a first listen this track could genuinely go anywhere, there’s no firm end-point. Just follow it and get lost.

Light heartedness is one of Baby Strange’s key characteristics, rarely will we see them dabble with a riff that’ll make you want to rip your clothes off and thrash round a moshpit with a rocket up your arse. Their flow is usually funky and happy, would we agree? Well not on this next track! “No Coin To Play” is a ball of aggressively emotive chords and slowly thrashed crash cymbals. It’s no Motorhead but it’s a step in that direction, could we potentially see more of this from Baby Strange on album number two whenever that may arrive?

The EP wouldn’t feel complete without a slow number! Every album has to have that mellow moment of reflection and solidarity, where listeners can sit back and appreciate the technical diversity of what they’ve just listened too. ‘Mess’ is Baby Strange’s answer to this. It’s a complete change of tempo from the rest of this EP, they’ve pulled up the handbrake and taken a moment to reflect. The instruments waltz in and out of one another in spotless fluidity until they let loose right at the end with bucket loads of passion and energy. This track is aptly placed at the end of the EP; a perfect way to draw close, what is, a masterclass in punk rock.

Give it a listen, buy the record and go to their upcoming EP tour! They're heading all over the UK this September with shows in their hometown Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds and a free gig at Old Blue Last in London that we're gunna try and get down too. We'll hopefully see some of you there!

Tickets available HERE.