Claws - Daydream EP
8/10
Following last year’s appearance on the Introducing stage at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend and a nationwide tour earlier this year, CLAWS are knocking on the door of the Big Time. With the right backing, this bunch of songs could just be what it takes to barge that door right open.
Gloriously unrestrained and with a punk sneer, Josie’s vocals may not be technically perfect but she is a damned fine vocalist straight from the John Lydon or – for me, the closest comparison - Slits’ late, great Ari Up. Sneering, snarling and squalling, Morgan’s guitar is a damned near perfect counterpoint to those vocals. The rhythm section of Tom and Duncan underpin it all with poise and energy.
From a gentle, 60s pop guitar opening, L.O.V.E turns into classic, modern alt.rock. Nobody’s Perfect begins with dissonant, Sonic Youth-style guitar and develops into something grungy and punky, equal parts Buzzocks and Dinosaur Jr. The title track is the poppiest, most mainstream song here, adding an unexpected but very welcome dash of 60s garage-psyche to the alt.rock tropes. Closer Brainwash is a pounding belter, with the best lyric here.
CLAWS have come along way in the last two years and should go much further. Let’s make it happen for them, Norwich.
