Other Half - Soft Action
Local trio lead the way with their sophomore, post-hardcore new album
The Norwich music scene has never been more alive. Leading the charge, and leading it with wild abandon and full on visceral noise, is Other Half. This, their second album and first on the brilliant Big Scary Monsters label, doesn’t let up from start to finish.
Recorded at Sickroom Studios in Narborough, Norfolk with longtime-producer Owen Turner, the trio have not only upped their game they’ve completely changed it for the better. The trio Cal, Alfie and Sophie have written a damning indictment of the modern world but throughout the record there is love and hope. It is an album that blows the door open and the roof off to completely consume you.
Opening with ‘Like A Dog’ a track that is just 39 seconds long, shows the band aren’t messing or hanging around. Jumping straight off the back of ...Dog is the snarling single ‘Jollies With The Boys’ is the sound of the band at its most blistering and driven. The energy floods through the speakers, Cal’s vocals slamming against your chest, a full on experience that bleeds on the walls.
Slab Thick then chimes in. Another single, adding Sophie’s vocals to the mix brings another dimension to their sound. Opening it up like a best of from Pixies, it is another slice on angular noise that I just adore. Frank Black and Kim Deal have finally got competition.
Comparisons are an easy thing, but what makes Other Half so special is their uniqueness and their driven consistency. I can’t name another album that has 14 songs on it like Soft Action does that doesn’t dip in quality, every song on this record hits the spot.. ‘All Bets Are Off’ sounds like it is going to take off and roar into the skies, ‘Who’s Got Guts’ drives along with serious intent. ‘Doom Logo’ is only 68 seconds long but it does the job of giving you a minute to breathe yet it still has a real driven purpose.
‘Every Future’ has that twin vocal salvo goodness that I just love, lyrically it might be bleak but you just can’t help loving this band and their driving alt-noise. The closing track on the album ‘If You Write The Way You Talk’ bookends the record perfectly, it builds masterfully, Sophie’s vocals leading the way, it is a true call to arms.
Other Half have mastered the DIY-punk ethos, the drums are loud, the guitars melodic yet angular, the vocals piercing yet beautiful. Like all good trios, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Green Day, Shellac, Nirvana, our very own local legends have turned in an album to absorb and get lost in. 2023 could well belong to them, jump aboard and enjoy the ride.
10/10
