The first EP ‘Animation Draining Needles’ – from London based trio False-Heads was recorded in 2011. Singles such as ‘Where is Your Man’ and ‘Without a Doubt’ had positive reviews, as well as making it to picks like New to Q Radio’s ‘Single of the Week’ – and getting plays on BBC stations and many other student and internet radios.
The band cite influences ranging from Radiohead, Elliott Smith, The Pixies, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, The Beatles to The Sex Pistols.
Their second EP ‘Tunnel Vision’ has just been released.
We took a listen:
The disc starts with ‘Fall Around’ and some sizzling guitar. A pliant bass rebounds low around the room, and has an odour of fruity rockabilly about it. The brattish and cynical vocals – reminiscent of Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks) – gradually grow under your skin. The bass remains pivotal, the guitars tend to sound a little washed-out. But the “Your Dreamin’…” chorus is infectious and thoroughly tart.
More bruised and dented bass guitar-work greets you on the next track ‘Without a Doubt’ – and a flourish of drums creates the energy and excitement. The verse is fast and sharp: “I don’t mind, I don’t care…” is drilled deep into your skull. The wasp-buzz guitars slam home the message “Do you miss me? I can’t tell / I don’t know you.”
‘Where is Your Man?’ has a rippling Caribbean Sea guitar sound, and a foaming vocal. It rises to the chorus – and falters at that point. As if kept on the edge of a vacuum. The thorny guitars just mew around the pit, like animals waiting for a missing owner. The vocals do not always work, and the arrangement has some obvious gaps. But, nevertheless, this song shows some promise.
‘Remedy’ seems to be the strongest track on the recording. A sherbet guitar bubbles progressively under the percussion – sounding lightly tapped. The jangle of flaky guitars reminded us of R.E.M, and the wobbly – almost indefinite – voice reminded us of Michael Stipe.
The EP ends with ‘Comfort Consumption’ with clear alto vocals and introspective lyrics reminding us of early Neil Young. This is the most lavishly produced song on the disc. The chirping guitars add feathered textures to the backing vocals that are performed tenderly. The wild fuss of guitars boil-up a profusion of sounds that will float you off to another wild world.
This EP has a black heart and a callous mind. The simple punk sounds are cynical and wicked and they will infiltrate your cerebellum to play Lizzie Borden in your hemispheres. Beware!
– © Neil_Mach July 2013 –
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/FalseHeads
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