The frequency with which something is produced and in turn consumed impacts greatly on the product in question. Quality can drop when a product starts to get ‘churned out’.
Despite their six-year lifespan as a band, ScotDrakula are definitely not churning out albums. This self-titled release is their first full-length, although they’ve been spruiking samples of their wares with two previous EPs and a seven-inch under their belt.
Lead single and opener ‘O’Clock’ exhibits a sort of naХvetО, but that’s offset by frontman Matt Neumann’s unhinged yet tuneful yelp. ‘Kill What You Love’ feels a little Hunx And His Punx; the doo-wop refrain, “There’s nothing to it, just go and do it,” sounds like encouragement for everyone to learn a hip new dance move, but we assume it’s a gentle nudge to ‘kill what you love’.
Those in search of a summer anthem may just have found it in ‘Shazon’. ‘Pig Eyes’ oozes cool, its extended intro setting the scene effectively. ‘Starter Humanism’ is feel-good pop, brimming with classic chord changes, while follower ‘Idlewild’ burns with a desperate energy.
It’s illusively simple garage that’s occasionally epic, with ’50s chord progressions disguised under distortion and snarl, but repackaged into something far less predictable. ScotDrakula have nailed it on their debut album.
4/5.
ScotDrakulais out now through Independent.
