EP REVIEW: Dread – Staff Party

If you have ever been to a work staff party, then you know how strange they can be. They blur the lines between a professional and working relationship, and you can discover a new side to your colleagues. It is this strangeness that is the reasoning behind the name of Brighton noise rock trio STAFF PARTY. After releasing a few singles from 2020-2021, the band have recorded a three-track EP called Dread, which was produced by Paul ‘Win’ Winstanley, who they describe as like a fourth member of the band as he helped them hone their craft.

Ego Death opens the record with a harsh rock song that borders into hardcore. The guitar is brilliant as it forms the backbone of the track, and the vocals switch from screaming in the choruses to speaking in the verses. The song itself is about killing your ego and its chants of “Push the shame down!” provide a rallying cry for people to not let their insecurities get the better of them. The song is a riot, with a brilliant breakdown at the end.

As the EP only comprises three tracks, STAFF PARTY give it their all and showcase why they are needed in the music scene. The title track is a slightly more mellow song, but also has a rallying chorus. Of course, the EP isn’t perfect, as some of the production of the song Dread means that the singing can’t be heard clearly. Thankfully, this is fixed in the final song Leech, a track about abuse of power which makes for a rip-roaring and angry song, full of malevolence. It changes up the formula of the previous two tracks as it focuses more on screaming rather than singing, which feels vital to the song given the subject matter.

Of course, whilst the EP is fantastic, it is not without its flaws. It is understandable why it is only three songs long, as the band are still testing the waters. However, it is such a great start, we almost wish there was an extra song or two, as it goes by quite quickly. On the other hand, if the first offering is this good, then STAFF PARTY have a very bright future ahead of them. The pacing of the individual songs is excellent, and despite the mostly fast pace of them all, they also take their time to really make their mark. It is just a shame that the EP overall can flash by if you aren’t listening closely enough.

In conclusion, Dread shows a band who have a bright future ahead of them. Fitting neatly into both the hardcore and rock genres, the trio have released three fantastic songs that are a brilliant introduction to the band. Whilst the EP itself could have benefited from an extra song or two, this is technically still the band’s debut EP (if you don’t count The End Is Nigh compilation EP which pulls together their previous singles) and it’s understandable that they would play their cards close to their chest for now, and ultimately this is definitely an exciting new band who are a name to watch.

Rating: 8/10

Dread is set for release on April 28th via self-release.

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