"Upbeat Love"
(Double Six Records)
eight / ten
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THREATMANTICS "Upbeat Love" (Double Six Records) eight / ten |
Although it started out as a demo, and then became an EP, Upbeat Love - the debut album from Welsh band Threatmantics, has matured into a lovely, dirty, sweaty record with lots of hairy noises, and rock and roll beats from start to finish.
The most captivating thing about this album is the fact that their lead guitar has been replaced by a viola, which adds a rather hypnotic tone to the tracks, and also their keyboardist and drummer is the same person. This album has overtones of rockabilly and traditional music, offset by great drum tracks and bits of electronic, fiddly sounds thrown in for good measure.
The opening track 'Big Man' is beefy and cumbersome and sets the tone for the rest of the album. 'Don't Care', which was released previously as a single, takes a different approach to things with melodic viola and crunchy guitar riffs throughout, reminiscent of Whipping Boy, if Whipping Boy were made of candyfloss.
The entire album is buzzing with energy and enthusiasm and I found myself bopping along to it while it played. I love the fact that the viola is so prevalent in every track; it gives their music a fantastic leading edge which hasn't been heard before.
For me, 'Get Outta Town' is by far their best blend of squalid rock and harmonious strings; it makes you want to tear off your wife beater (if you so happen to be wearing one), shake your sweaty, hairy head and neck a few pints in the process. Check out this talented trio; you won't be disappointed.
Emma O'Brien
www.threatmantics.com
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