What can we say- it's pure bloody genius
The Barbs have yet another storming number here full of rhythm and contrasting vocals that are very much their own mark. Tim and Amy were born for each other, both musically and vocally, and operate as one. Amy's vocal fronting of 'Massive Crush' sounds like one of those talking dolls of the 60's and 70's. Beautifully disturbing and providing a great counterpoint to Tim. Their smash and grab style here is superb, or should I say subarb, and with lines like 'She killed her parents, I left mine a note' making the song truly memorable. Full of images of feminine strength this number will be in the heads of a lot of women, consciously or not.
'Drugs And Violence' is a very dark number full of heavy imagery. Simon's drums and Jim's bass really shine here and are what this whole number hangs off. Using his bass like a sledge hammer Jim hits a wall of noise at you while Simon either couldn't pound his drums harder, or they went through several skins just doing this number. Power drumming at its best.
The jewel here is 'Merry Hell' firing off at breakneck speed Amy sounds as if she's eating the mic whilst the whole band are smashing you over the head with a high speed jackhammer of a sound. They play this number so tight that it's as if all their voices and instruments have merged into one living being.
The Barbs are rock hard with this single and will rip you apart after the first hit. Just close the door, crank up the volume and put this single on repeat.