ALBUM REVIEW: Without The Eyes – CLT DRP

The Brighton electro-punk noise band CLT DRP are releasing their debut full-length album via Small Pond Records. With influences ranging as far and wide as DEATH GRIPS to MESHUGGAH, with a splash of PEACHES thrown in for good measure, with a gritty feminist twist, this is one of the most innovative albums to be released this year.

The album kicks off with a short introduction, which clears up any queries about how the band’s name might be pronounced. The phrase “IT’S PRONOUNCED CLIT DRIP!” spoken in an abrasive robotic voice does this, and also point towards the band’s mission statement – to erode away the preconceived notions of what feminist punk should look and sound like in 2020, and to bring a sense of acidity, honesty and rage into the politically-charged anthems.

The lyrical content of the music which this band produces is clearly at the forefront of their art, as we can tell from the fact that they have a (sold out) lyric booklet for sale in their merch stall. But the rest of the band shouldn’t be forgotten amongst Annie’s punishing (in a good way) vocal turn. Daphne’s crushing drums range from near-battle doom to drum ‘n’ bass in See Saw, and the grinding guitar from Scott brings counterpoint and counter-rhythms to the main melody. 

Elements from legends in punk (and female musician history in general), THE SLITS can be found in vocals lines, drops to rival those of THE PRODIGY, and rage for an entire generation of feminists come together in Where The Boys Are, the ode to, and criticism of, second wave feminism. The undisputed song of the record, the verses are restrained to the point where you can literally feel the band chomping at the bit, so that when the chorus comes along it’s with all the held back momentum we’ve endured thus far. The song travels from an ethereal, dreamy landscape to the most crushing point of the record and back again. It’s a noise-based chorus with a metal edge and punk attitude, and it’s refreshingly complex and multi-layered in its critiques of feminist politics. 

That being said, one of the more simplistic takes on body shaming issues is another moment where this band really shines. Speak to My is a cathartic point of pure rage and exasperation at the way the world works, including lyrics such as “speak to my fat, speak to my knees, speak to my pussy… Speak to my – FUCK YOU!”

Whilst feminist punk isn’t exactly new on the music scene, no one’s ever really done it like this before. CLT DRP own the music they create because there is no one else doing it on this level, with this much unadulterated rage and creativity. Speaking of this album, vocalist Annie says. “this album for me was a way of speaking about my regression and progression surrounding feminism. I’ve made a lot of mistakes regarding the way I look at myself and the women around me. All I want is to be better, and try harder to know when I’m in the wrong and own it, rather than dwell on the guilt I feel when I act out of order. Guilt is for the privileged, and we all need to learn to move on and educate ourselves on being more inclusive, and understanding of each other.” 

This nuanced take on the feminist punk genre is unlike anything we’ve seen before; it speaks to the current wave of feminists growing up, looking at the past and seeing where mistakes have been made. It counters those mistakes with acceptance, perseverance, and an urge to do better. And it makes a hell of a lot of noise whilst doing so. They don’t just reinvent the wheel, they tear it apart and build it back together with honest, poetic lyrics from the weirdest spoken word night you’ve ever been to. It’s noisy and off putting, but it’s also compelling and intriguing. It will keep battering you until the very last second, and it’s some of the most important music around right now. CLT DRP may just soundtrack the upcoming revolution. 

Rating: 9/10

Without The Eyes is set for release on August 28th via Small Pond Records. 

For more information on CLT DRP like their official page on Facebook.