London punks Play Dead, have dropped their EP ‘Skint’ via Blitzcat Records. With the band members still just 16 years old, the record is a thrillingly rough ride through the despondent teenage experience of lockdown in the UK, driven with deadpan Gen-Z charm and with razor sharp humour in their advanced songwriting.
The guys stick to a well used formula when it comes to songwriting. Quiet verses and loud choruses, full of steady bass and messy guitar all wrapped in a cocky swagger that gets more addictive as the tracks roll on.
Slacker anthem ‘Hide’ introduces Play Dead’s very own swagger. The attitude doesn’t just stop with the guitars as Joe Blair sticks the lip out on the vocals. Vocals that deliver a witty lyrical take on the lack of money with title track ‘Skint’. All written in the guys unique witty style that goes straight to the point.
‘Shaun’ is a wry ode to bassist Ollie’s nan’s boyfriend: “He’s a gentle giant with a short fuse who got arrested for punching a man off his bike in Brixton. He enjoys pies, pints and Coldplay” the band explains. A heavier track, ‘Shaun’ and has a Baxter Dury vibe with the lyrical phrasing. As does most of the album. Wether its the accent or the cocky nature the words are delivered.
‘Brockwell Park’ Bass led as the lyrics take you down to. “It’s close to where we live, and we all used to go there in the summer and get up to all sorts of trouble. We like to think the song represents a summer’s day there – cheap beer, fags, narcotics and all”.
With a hint of The Clash’s White Riot in the main riff. EP closer ‘The Drip’ covers substance abuse, and is tackled in Play Dead’s usual confidence.
For an EP to come from such young talent, the promise that this band has is clear for all to see. They have a confidence that will hold them in good stead and a writing talent that will take them far on their musical journey. They manage to distill life as they view it in a few short lines over fast furious guitar and rampant drums. It’s a style of music that has been around for many many years and with bands like Play Dead carrying it on. Will be around for for years to come.
Have a lsten to The Drip, below:
Order the EP here
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