Review by Andy Houghton for MPM
Alt rockers MuddiBrooke may only have formed early in 2020, but their work has already made one hell of a splash.
Their first two singles received airplay on Kerrang! Radio and garnered them the coveted ‘Track of the Week’ spot on BBC Introducing. Now the Derby-based trio have released ‘Lunacy’, their much-anticipated debut EP, and it does not disappoint.
The songs and stories on ‘Lunacy’ ask the question, “What does it feel like to be one of society’s rejects?”, and explore living through the challenges of life: those moments that make you feel a bit crazy and question your reasoning.
Opener ‘Devil’ is a powerfully slow-burn: from the barely audible opening seconds, the song grows gradually from a stripped-down acoustic number before opening out into a full-on alt rock track. Impressive though the instrumentals are, it’s Brooke’s vocals that provide the real standout here: clear, powerful and packed with understated emotion. It’s mulitlayered, it’s nuanced and it’s brilliant.
‘Liverpool Guy’ is the EP’s ear-worm, with its insanely catchy chorus. The track tells a tale of celebrating your inner party animal and enjoying life’s freedoms to the full, both potentials for new beginnings. It sounds great on the EP, and I suspect it’ll sound even better live.
The sub-two-minute ‘Straight Jacket’ is short but sweet, with a gloriously brooding bassline. This track is to catchy riffs what ‘Liverpool Guy’ is to catchy vocals.
‘Turn To Dust’ brings a drop in tempo and a return, at least initially, to acoustic guitar. This is a more reflective, more sombre track and makes for a great contrast with the earlier songs, showcasing the band’s versatility.
The EP draws to a close with ‘Fake It’ – punchy and potent, with smart lyrics and a great chorus, the track speaks to us about daily struggles and those things we need to do to get through.
MuddiBrooke’s ‘Lunacy’ is an outstanding debut for the band, and holds a promise of great things to come. Highly recommended.
Line-up:
‘Brooke’ (Harriet McDonnell) | Lead vocals and guitar
Anna Melidone | Bass and backing vocals
Mary Prince | Drums
Tracklisting:
- Devil
- Liverpool Guy
- Straight Jacket
- Turn to Dust
- Fake It
‘Lunacy’ is released on October 22nd 2021
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https://smarturl.it/LUNACY-OUTNOW
