Loose Articles - Scream If You Wanna Go Faster
(Alcopop! Records)
Release Date: 26th July 2024
Remarkably, this is the debut album from Loose Articles who seem to have been around for so long that I mistakenly thought this was at least album number two. Anyway, 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster' is an absolute stormer of an album and gets going with 'Mr Manager', a synthy punk pop delight of a track that pairs Bis with Peaches (Bi-ches anyone?) to create a moodier album opener than I was expecting. 'Are You A Welder?' is up next with a grinding, angular guitar sound and dead-eyed vocals that engender an atmosphere of menace and intimidation before 'Want' takes things to a more playful place with a bouncing bass line and guitars that remind me of Young Knives at their strutting best.
The band hit their stride on 'Unpaid Intern' which is fully of peppy and bouncing energy but mixed with stylish, too-cool-for-school vocals that aren't taking any of your shit. The creeping, lurching bass line and ominous beat of 'I've Nearly Made It' make for unsettling listening, capped by the near-spoken-word vocals and horror inspired guitars. 'I'd Rather Have A Beer' is a rattling, rolling and scorching night out on the tiles weaving in and out of pubs, trouble and pavement pizzas. Some composure and swagger is regained on 'Pinball John' which feels like a classic of the English punk-pop genre with a mixture of edgy guitars and the kind of strut that belongs on the King's Road.
Penultimate song, 'It's Art', is the longest on the album and switches between swathes of grunge guitars and that trademark bass focused melody that creates such a spiky, prickled atmosphere. The album closes out on the brilliantly titled 'Guitars, Cars, Knickers and Bras', a track that almost mocks 80s American rock music but in such a stylish way that it works brilliantly. Loose Articles are a band that has a huge talent and ability but, most importantly, they undeniably know their sound and it is brilliantly unique. And thank the lord/lady for that.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/loosearticles
Live Dates:
26/07 - Other Festival, Sheffield
03/08 - Rebellion Festival, Blackpool
16-18/08 - Green Man, Crickhowell
01/09 - Edinburgh Psych Fest
11/10 - Halifax Town Festival, Grayston Unity, Halifax