ALBUM REVIEW: Holy Popes – Holy Popes
HOLY POPES hope to overthrow the government and stick up their middle finger at the system on their brand new self-titled album Holy Popes. This post garage/punk trio burst onto scene with their DIY sound and they really have something to say. This album is extremely politically charged; it’s all about anti-capitalism, anti-patriarchy, and it kicks out in general against a controlling society.
After the prelude which sounds more like the beginning of a world music album, Séance begins and HOLY POPES‘ signature sound starts to ring through. With heavy bass and squealing guitar it’s clear these guys mean business. Pencils has a kind of dark rockier sound to it and it seems the band are getting pretty dark on this album overall. This track has a very grunge feel to it, with the instrumentation and the absolutely frantic guitar lines making it feel as if they’re just losing it. Medic feels a little more put together as the guitar lines and bass are pretty tight. Again, dark lyrics are present and really work for what the band are going for on Holy Popes.
Skin Of An Ape perfectly encapsulates the garage rock influence that can be heard throughout the album. The guitar lines are heavy and distorted and the drums are like rolling thunder. The band describe the song best when they say “emotional cannonball.”
Split Lip has a really rocky rhythm. The vocals are strong and slightly pained and frantic which is really in keeping with HOLY POPES‘ style. The effects used in this track mix really great along with the raw sound from the other parts. It feels like even though it shouldn’t work it does. Jerry follows which was released as a single. It starts pretty basic with vocals, drums and bass and is mainly driven by the vocals. It’s got more of a minimalist sound and structure to it. The bass seems to take centre stage which is cool to hear. Of course, everything comes together toward the end of the track for a soaring finish.
Rounding off the album is Slither. HOLY POPES really wanted to go out on a bang with this album and it looks like Slither was the way to do it. It’s a heavy track for sure but has breaks that leave just one instrument playing or in one case silence which is good because it’s not so in your face.
Holy Popes is a lot of fun and is great album. It’s got a rebellious feel to it which is what the band seem to aim for in their music. The DIY garage rock style on display throughout the album doesn’t let up which promises a rollercoaster of an experience.
Rating 8/10
Holy Popes is set for release on January 27th via Man Demolish Records.
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