EP REVIEW: Tawny – Drug Church

There is a case for DRUG CHURCH being the sonic encapsulation of minimum wage suffering. Over the years, the band have built up a collection of records showcasing their disdain for the modern day human condition, and the frustrations that are omnipresent in the 21st Century. This scathing view of the world is matched by the raw aggression of the band’s performance, but is contrasted with an excellent melodic nouse that shines out from the dirt.

Tawny follows on from where the band left off with 2018’s Cheer, which had the band leaning heavily on their melodic side and blessing the world with their sardonic hooks. Record opener Head Off opens with a thumping drum intro, before the a weaving melodic line from the guitars accompanies the raw musing of vocalist Patrick Kindlon. DRUG CHURCH‘s understanding of dynamics is prevalent throughout, with layers of instrumentation building and building toward the final explosive section of the song. 

The title track Tawny is going to be a staple in the DRUG CHURCH live set forever. The opening lashes out, with raw energetic rhythm played by the guitars, accompanying Kindlon‘s razor sharp wit. His lyrics on Tawny have a vein of Schadenfreude running through them, with a particular standout being “Tragedy is comedy minus yourself”. These layers build to a suitably huge chorus that will be screamed by audiences in sweaty clubs as soon as they are able to get in them. Sonically, Tawny is immensely satisfying, with a dark vein of sarcasm and caustic wit running through.

Bliss Out follows, showcasing more of Kindlon‘s dark lyrics, backed up by almost sunny sounding melodies. “Is it forever though?/Man you know that it is” stands out, musing on the drudgery of life or the void of death, it is not quite certain. The EP closes with a sunny yet taut cover of Remember to Forget by Arcwelder, showing us where DRUG CHURCH take their melodic influence from.

As a continuation of what DRUG CHURCH began on Cheer, this little EP is a fine addition. It does also show where the band are going to go next, which is really exciting. The melodies are huge, the guitars thick and heady, and the lyrics are caustic in their wit. DRUG CHURCH are truly special, and will be there to get one through your daily commute to a job you hate. 

Rating: 8/10

Tawny is set for release on June 25th via Pure Noise Records. 

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