This is London: heady concoction of sounds and influences fused into a genreless identity. No boundaries, no limits and no hesitations. Having rested by the wayside for the past three years or so CLAYPIGEON return with an album that not only pricks the ears but full-on pinches and twists.
Punktastic’s description of the band’s last EP as “very varied and very interesting” doesn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to new album ‘Time Won’t Cease’. Such is the diversity of the record that labels and tags are binned before they can even be consciously formed. ClayPigeon throws so much into the blender it’s a bloody wonder it works. But work it does.
On the ground level you’ll find ska-punk. From there, melodic hardcore makes an appearance alongside some rapid draw hip-hop vocalisations. The beatboxing of Reeps One lends a unique vibe that you’d be hard pushed to find elsewhere. There are mercenary moments of D&B and some Mouthwash-esque electronic menacings. Big beastly moments are juxtaposed with calming subdued feelings, whilst fast-paced verbiage and guitars splinter the record throughout. Then there’s a spoken word interlude. It’s a seemingly meaningless comedic pause for breath that should be annoying, yet isn’t.
Completely DIY, this record sounds better than it should, crisp and sharp where it needs to be, polluted and rough when required. It’s a real nod to the band who recorded, mixed and mastered the whole thing. Cameos by members of The Skints (who cite the band as not only influential but close friends) means that it’s hard not to liken the two acts, but this isn’t a case of riding wings. ClayPigeon don’t need that.
Such a diverse mix obviously won’t be to all tastes, but it’s records like ‘Time Won’t Cease’ that keep music interesting. ClayPigeon follows in the footsteps of King Prawn and Sonic Boom Six in terms of mashed-up visions. Eclectic doesn’t even cover it. Plus, slightly aside, the album contains some of the best liner notes ever!
ALEX HAMBLETON