What more does the modern music lover want than an EP filled with snarling vocals, dark basslines and a sub-7 minute instrumental? That is exactly what Public Underground, a four piece from Liverpool, can offer. The EP’s title title track, ‘Little White Lies’, is bass-driven and topped with dark, slow-burning vocals. In the marvellous ‘Echoes’ the bass, the guitar and especially the vocals scream Joy Division (a major influence for Public Underground) but it feels fresh and new. This is something you’ll want to listen to over and over again.
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The penultimate track ‘Howls’ starts slow, but builds towards the chorus, whereupon the listener is hit by loud vocals and, if I may say, a rather seductive riff. The best track is left until last – ‘Figares’ is an instrumental that just misses the 7 minute mark. Any band that can pull off a 7 minute instrumental on their debut EP definitely have something about them. The rising tempo ensnares the listener into waiting for a massive finale, but instead it drops it back down and gives the guitar a chance to shine. Meanwhile the bass keeps a steady groove, before the tempo starts to build again for the genuine big finale, which does not disappoint. A brilliant effort from the scouse boys – more where this came from, please.
Words by Callum McCormack
@mccormackcallum