EP REVIEW: Boring Songs For Boring People – Problem Patterns

Belfast DIY punks, PROBLEM PATTERNS, are back with their newest EP Boring Songs For Boring People. The quartet, who refer to themselves as “four shouty queers”, became well known within the DIY punk space following the release of their debut record that saw them take the well-known format of feminist punk by adding to the mix their own brand of honesty, humour, and experimental weirdness.

The title itself has multiple layers in how it pokes fun at people who love the sound of their own voices, but by PROBLEM PATTERNS’ own admission it all serves as self-deprecating joke towards themselves and their music in how it relates to their everyday life. Yet its overall meaning reflects on issues within the music industry that seemingly rewards mediocrity whilst sidelining DIY bands who balance full-time work with touring and recording.

Loud, personable, and tongue in cheek. This stance is evident immediately with intro track, Song For Fi, that features fast guitar notes with feedback, relatively tame punk with some drone elements that’s then concluded with some shouty style vocals that then kick off the first official track Sad Old Woman. Whilst following a similar style heard in the intro, we can also hear some rock n roll influence with it’s larger than life composition that’s tied together nicely with the guest vocals of PISSED JEANS Matt Korvette.

And that’s a fun thing with this EP, as at its heart it remains true to the DIY punk ways we’ve all become familiar with yet it’s unafraid to branch out and bring other rock styles into the mix. Classic Rock Has Become My Prison, as the title suggests, brings in classic rock riffs alongside PROBLEM PATTERNS signature tongue-in-cheek lyrics, whilst Bone Idle experiments with some drone rock riffs.

But of course, the main highlights are the moments are short, but sweet, punk tracks that leave you satisfied with a moment of happiness. I’m Fine And I’m Doing Great is a punk track that, again, has multiple layers in it’s meaning where on the one hand life can be overwhelming and stressful being in a band whilst working a regular job, yet on the other you can’t help but love what you do. And there’s the closing title track that, as previously summarised, pokes fun at artists including themselves yet on the other embraces their DIY punk status where their music resonates with others thanks to their relatable lyrics. It’s a fun shouty record to put on when you need to smile.

Rating: 7/10

Boring Songs For Boring People is out now via Alcopop! Records.

Follow PROBLEM PATTERNS on Instagram.