EP REVIEW: Survival Is An Act Of Defiance – Death Goals

Queer culture is in a precarious place in time right now. We don’t need to elaborate on it and we certainly don’t need to re-explain it to the queer community. Just read the news. Have a quick Google and soak up the spew. That being said, when queercore outfit DEATH GOALS rush out the gates with a new EP, you don’t need a crystal ball to predict the motivation behind the record. In a visceral and defiant call to arms the duo spit a fat phlegm heavy lurgy in the face of a world that is doing everything in its power to beat them down.

The EP is an unhinged and cathartic effort. Loaded with stagnant, abrasive riffs and dirty drops, Harry Bailey and George Milner mercilessly shoot from the hip. The riff work in Tchotchke is a prime example of peak alternative guitar playing. Not overly pretentious, just a crunchy noise-rock inspired riff driving an angsty anthem. The impact, however, is far from simple, every song on this EP is massive. Purposefully allowing the tension to boil over, the duo thrive in a recklessly chaotic atmosphere and harness the anger and frustration reflected in their community.

It’s very much a case of art imitating life. But what makes the EP special is the culmination of queercore voices. One example is opener Kill With Kindness which invites Harry Nott from BURNER. While DEATH GOALS do the groundwork and light the fuse, Harry steps up to the plate to pull the trigger. In addition to BURNER we also see features from HIRS COLLECTIVE, CAINHURST and VICTIM UNIT.

Don’t be mistaken, Harry and George have enough bite to stand their ground and churn out a kick ass EP as they’ve done before, but by inviting their friends along to stack the tracks the EP becomes all the more explosive. DEATH GOALS represent a very important and somewhat under-appreciated corner of counter culture. While artists in other genres will focus on the melancholy of the situation and offer a calculated contemplation (as they rightly can and should do), DEATH GOALS offer balance with a much more enigmatic cut-throat anger. With the roster of guest appearances, the album celebrates a rebellious unity against all odds. When you consider the context behind the record, through all the anger and fury, you realise just how poignant and impactful a statement DEATH GOALS have made.

Rating: 9/10

Survival Is An Act of Defiance is out now via self-release.

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