Rats As Big As Dogs - Attract
Third EP from BSE Rock City's RABAD.
Hailing from Bury St Edmunds and no strangers to Norwich, RABAD have an intense sound straight out of the underground, taking in punk, post-punk, hardcore and alternative to create a glorious racket.
Opener Court of Public Opinion highlights Jay’s righteous bellow - part Joe Strummer, part Jake Burns, part old time testifier – and the gangstomp backing vox of Shannon, Reuben and George. Perpetuate Inc is relatively straight-forward until a false stop and a raging, bellowing climax. Reuben takes lead vocals on the melodic but no less intense alt of Strain, allowing Jay to play some Glenn Brancaesque no wave guitar. From an intro that J Mascis would be proud of, (A) Deerskin Girl Son develops into a seething rampant rocker. Closer Gin Pissers builds around a gang chant and circular riffing before breaking down into beguiling Sonic Youth feedback.
This is rooted in punk and hardcore but is way above the self-imposed constraints of far too many plying their trade in those genres. Beneath the intensity, there is melody and bloody good songs. The guitars of Jay and Reuben, George’s bass and Shannon’s drumming all display originality and inventiveness, whilst the vocal interplay is a joy to hear.
Do yourselves a favour. Buy this. NOW.
(9.5/10)
