EP REVIEW: Only Alive When In Motion – Gen And The Degenerates
Whenever a band or artist decides to release their debut record, either as an EP or album, it’s an exciting time as everyone waits in anticipation for what they have created as part of their beginnings. None more so than with Liverpudlian quintet, GEN AND THE DEGENERATES, with their debut EP, Only Alive When In Motion. The band have seen success with their debut singles, Underwear and Runaway Blues, as well as being added to tour line-ups with bands like CRAWLERS and SKUNK ANANSIE and signing to Marshall Records. As a first record for the band, does this EP help showcase the talent that all five members have, or is it a record that’s dead on arrival?
The title says that it’s Only Alive When In Motion, but in actuality the EP feels so alive in every moment heard. It opens with Crying War, a hard-hitting track about leaving abusive relationships that starts the record with beautifully written lyrics and a great rhythm underneath. The grungy feel attached to it adds to the weight of the theme and creates one incredible song that stuns the listener and captures their attention right from the get go.
The second track, Adore Me, an anthem about loving oneself as they grow up, starts with a great driving rhythm layered with a lush and fun riff from the guitars, showcasing the musical talent and flair from the band. The writing within the lyrics is smart and witty, accessing the emotions teenagers feel as they go through puberty and adolescence, but also working through to own themselves as they are. It’s encouraging to hear a band talk about this, and it will hopefully help any teenagers who listen to this song to love who they are.
Girl God Gun was written in response to vocalist Genevieve Glynn-Reeves constantly being asked about being a woman in rock when they are non-binary. It’s a fierce and punky track that is built upon the excellently written bass line and exceptionally witty lyrics that are spoken and sung in a demanding and confident manner that grabs the listener’s attention. It’s a simple structure, but very effective. Wild Thing, all about being raised as a delinquent, is a great jam for anyone to scream and shout along to. The lyrics are so strong and smart, sung beautifully and with such power, and the band behind them captures that fierce and powerful theme of the song. It’s a strong track to get behind and one that’s very empowering to hear.
The final track, Burn Your Pedestals, encompasses all the best elements of the band – both the instruments and the vocals – and delivers one incredible closer. Whilst the topic of the track, discussing disillusionment with religion, can be hard for some, it’s something many experience, and whilst not new, it’s still great to hear this band sing and perform about this. Everything comes together brilliantly and exemplifies the best qualities of the band.
Overall, GEN AND THE DEGENERATES are not a band to be overlooked, and Only Alive When In Motion is one great debut that many bands wish that they could release as their first record. It’s empowering, fierce, and unafraid to be confident and defiant, not just in the lyrics, but also in the instrumentation and structure. It’s one to get on board, rock out to, and then listen to once again. There’s a lot of replay value in this EP that many other releases lack. It’s a testament to the effort and talent of the band and the work that has gone into creating this record, and one fine EP for this year and many to come.
Rating: 10/10
Only Alive When In Motion is out now via Marshall Records.
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