EP REVIEW: Ctrl Alt Del – Glitchers

The state of the country politically has been described as a mess, considering that the UK recently had their shortest serving prime minister in history, who resigned after 45 days in office. This, coupled with the cost of living crisis within the country, means that bands and artists’ creative sparks are alight with political protest material. Among them is riot punk duo, GLITCHERS, a band who have made their political feels clear from the get go, having performed songs like Fuck The Tories across the country at their outdoor gigs. In preparation for their upcoming tour, this time inside venues across the UK, the band have put together their second EP, Ctrl Alt Del. Does this stand up against the masses, or falter flat from the get go?

In a climate where material like this is needed, GLITCHERS deliver tenfold. Kicking off the EP with TELESCOPE, the lush and funky guitar riffs that begin the song are juxtaposed nicely with the punky and aggressive vocals, which play into the passionate screams of the exceptionally crafted lyrics. From the outset, the band have established their sound as not only punk, but also grungy as well, and it is fantastic to hear that throughout all six tracks.

Exodus builds upon that, especially with lyrics criticising religion, a favourite topic amongst punks. Specifically, they criticise Christianity and those who take it to the extreme, accompanied by a great driving bassline that keeps up with the dynamics of the guitars, powered through by an amazing drum part. Continuing the exceptional nature of the EP, the title track of Ctrl Alt Delete (The Elite) provides a raging punk anthem that screams beautifully with all the punk power it can muster as it makes the listener want to shout along with its fantastically written lyrics. 

Hallefuckinglujah contains another masterful guitar riff, as if BAD RELIGION and RISE AGAINST mixed together their best elements into one song. With its rhythmic intensity matched by the poetic and gripping lyricism, this makes for a stunning song. I Want To Believe is another gem within this record, especially in the chorus, as it’s beautifully sung with amazing emotion and conviction, as if vocalist Jake Haydn wishes for the best in this country when it all seems impossible. It feels genuine and from the heart, which is a nice twist within the EP. The final track, Eat The Rich, is a fantastic closer, full of rage, crazy musical elements, and fantastic vocals projecting brilliant lyrics. It’s a track you would want to scream outside of Parliament. Every element hits perfectly and creates a perfect final track to close the EP off on a high note. 

Overall, Ctrl Alt Del is a quintessential punk record for everyone to listen to. GLITCHERS know what to say, how to say it, and deliver it at the best of their abilities in new and unique ways. The duo showcase their talent and all their expressive emotions that anyone can relate to whilst headbanging throughout the whole record. An EP for the ages, Ctrl Alt Del should be heard by everyone, especially in the current political climate. 

Rating: 10/10

Ctrl Alt Del is out now via self-release.

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