Confusingly titled debut release from the gothic-edged garage punk Kaisers
The Dropper's Neck must have a sense of irony. Not only do they (confusingly) call their debut album Second Coming but feel the need to almost reprise the title track with Second Coming Part II. Must be gallows humour.
Joking aside, there's a lot to love about these newcomers from Essex, including the healthy dose of humour sneaking its way into the power riffage. If you secretly (or not so secretly) love the Kaiser Chiefs but wonder what they would sound like given a garage punk makeover and twice the eyeliner, wonder no more. It's raw and edgy with a dark, macabre heart that lures you in with its twisted grin and before you know it, you're nodding along to the surprisingly simple but catchy hooks.
As well as the obvious comparisons to QOTSA , Eighties Matchbox..., and even Jack White, there's a punk feel closer to Iggy and the Stooges thanks to the force that rips through tracks like My Lime Tree and Second Coming. It's like raw nervous energy bottled, shaken up, given whiskey, and suddenly let loose with a bunch of garage guitars.
A lot of that is thanks to Lloyd Mathews' unique delivery; one minute low-key and vaguely menacing vocals give way to a full on scream. It's a technique that could easily go so wrong and yet he gets it so right. A particular favourite is final track Save Me From Myself, with its ethereal moans, Shakespearean lyrics (yes, you heard right) and death-rattle ending standing out against the backdrop of eerily chiming arpeggiated riffs. Honourable mention must also go to bassist Jack Turner whose steady lines anchor the whole thing down and add a menacing edge that binds the album together.
As it's a debut album it falls into the same pitfall that most do, which is to find a sound that works and stick with it relentlessly for thirty minutes or so. That's why tracks likeI Am The Law and Darker Waters stand out from the occasionally monotonous style. Fortunately, it's saved from the worst by being clean sounding, well produced, and the perfect length to keep you hooked. A solid start. Let's hope there's no sudden stop.