Self Release 13th September 2024
A nicely pretentious album full of post-punk spunk and arty touches. It might catch a few of The Last Dinner Party’s followers for its theatrical performances and distinctive vocals. It’s a lazy comparison but there is a healthy dose of Kate Bush’s vocal acrobatics to Aisling Rhiannon’s performance.
Though half the band drums, keys, vocals) were previously Pave in Leeds, the four-piece are based in Bristol with guitar and bass bringing the band to full volume, where they forge an independent path, self-releasing this album, their debut. It’s a polished, powerful performance and guitarist Charlie Barnes says of the producer; “Ben (Green) pushed us all way further than we thought we could go. I still have nightmares of finishing a great take, only for Ben to tell us to do it again.”
The sound has progressive elements played heavy, citing Mars Volta and Radiohead as influences. Songs range from hard hammering driven numbers with fluttering vocals swooping in and out to piano-led ballads that still head off into powerful volume. Songs are emotionally wrought and intense, reflecting the title ‘Hello, Boil Brain’. The titular closing track, ‘Boil Brain’ illustrates the approach with rich keyboard pushing onwards as the vocal line floats around it while atmospheric sonic debris accumulates. Similarly, previous single, ‘Still’ has punctuating piano rhythms that could come from a Sondheim musical before transforming into a swirling and tense guitar and drums sound.
Aisling says the set delves “into the profound anxiety stemming from emerging out of a world-altering pandemic and the daunting prospect of reintegrating into a frenetic ‘normal’ society. It reflects the realisation that social interaction, once second nature to many, now feels overwhelming, and the rapid pace of life no longer aligns comfortably. The yearning to linger in a state of slow existence amidst the chaos.”
It’s a statement from Gen-Z.