Howler - America Give Up
Rough Trade's newest signing Howler have released their debut Album "America Give Up", the follow-up to their well-received 2011 EP "This One's Different", and there's no avoiding the way this five-piece excites the senses with its hammering cacophony of cymbal-centric percussion, Stooge-esque punk guitar and the frontman's cool-as-F**K drawl that dovetails perfectly with softer than silk harmonies at will.
From cradle to grave this is a work of pure indie redbull rock that draws on the energy of a multitude of influences such as the Ramones on 'Black Lagoon' where Jordan Gatesmith (Vocals) bleeds cool, while 'Too Much Blood' in its pared down simplicity retains the almost affected cooler-than-thou veneer, but manages to meet the demands of a love song. 'Too much Blood' is a macabre, haunting lo-fi track whose simplicity is opposed to the energetic sonic output of the album as a whole and adds depth and a turning point to the album.
The following track 'Wailing (Making Out)' does exactly what it says on the tin with Gatesmith initially following the text book modern Punk/Indie almost word for word before upping his game in a screaming finale akin to any punk band worth their salt.
Track 7 'Pythagorean Fearem' is a masterclass in indie rock much in the vein of The Kaiser Chiefs and doesn't fail to deliver with its cymbal embellished guitar mayhem setting a platform for the frontman's existential ponderings.
'Told You Once' is an ode to binge drinking with the lyrics "I'll tell you once, I'll tell you twice - there's nothing in this world I would sacrifice", and "I might feel shit tomorrow but I'm feeling fine today". This is no doubt a twisted love song where alcohol is winning over his relationship. Whilst in this track alcohol is the source of anger, the anger and apathy that is the theme that runs through this album is multi-faceted, with for example track 10's lyrical ingredient - being born in a generic suburban town where boredom comes as part of the welcome - is the source of angst.
In a world slowly mouldering from the repetition of the Lady Gaga's and Rihanna's on one side and on the other the mindless Dub-step phenomenon; Howler dare to take up the 'Bill & Ted' guitars to bring much needed unity to the UK.
I for one cannot wait for their up coming tour of the UK.