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Some things are painful to see come back around in style and at the moment the thought of a mid-00s UK indie/twee-pop revival is a constant source of personal worry. However, the perpetually-evolving world of punk and hardcore is in safe hands - this demo 7” by Plymouth’s FUNERAL brings a raw and energetic take on 2000s post-hardcore and post-hardcore-adjacent-emo from the 90s. Four songs of fresh, raw, unprocessed post-hardcore/emo for you to consume with no over-production or ego attached. If a comparison helps then just think Rites of Spring, Lifetime, Small Brown Bike…. you know - the good shit. Few things are cooler than a new band making unpretentious music which has the power to unite hardcore fans across a few generations into feeling excited for their scene… plus, demo 7”s rule!
- Hamish
Funerals self titled EP covers the angst and anguish that comes with change, both lyrically and sonically, with their high energy release layers fast & fuzzy melodic riffs against reflective lyricism. From the saturated lonely guitar intro, to the B sides punchy 2 step rythms, the EP paints a cohesive image in the listeners mind of looking back into the sun and burning your eyes. The naturally flowing recording pulls no punches amongst it’s crashing symbols and crunchy howling riffs, with only it’s breif moments of hollowed out half time melodic breakdowns within tracks as respite to catch your breath.
Beginning with ‘the wait’ FUNERAL ease the listener in with just a taste of the fuzzy tone to follow, Before the release of ‘Black’s explosive sounds and speed. This track is the canvas where vocalist James chooses to lay out some of the records most honest and sincere moments, with depictions of heartache echoed in the lyrics vulnerable calls of desperation.
Trailing into the B side, where a lighter welcome is briefly set out, before dropping the facade and delving straight into Funerals more abrasive driving sound, while harkening back to the sounds of bands like Title Fight, a clear inspiration to the band. The last track ‘Nothing’ offers a spiky close to the release with sharp distortion offering more space for pensive introspection.
The EP’s work is a product of its environment and a reflection of being a young person in a small town, where sometimes forging a path (and a sound) of your own is your only option. It acts as an account of life’s trials and the change that comes along with these often unpredictable times. Presented as a promising and cohesive 4 track debut, it leaves listeners hungry with anticipation for the band’s future records to follow.
- Tom Small
- Label: Crew Cuts Records
- Format Type: 7"