Following the release of this self-titled album and a short run of gigs ending on February 17, London DIY punks Death Pedals will call it a day. That makes this review difficult to write, as this record is so exciting that it would be great to spout off about ‘promise’ and ‘potential’ and where the band go from here, but instead let’s leave our disappointment at the door and celebrate a great band who walked the walk for eight years and bowed out in style.
Death Pedals are, at their core, a punk band. However, their influences are vast and they’re not shy about showing them off on this record. The faster songs like ‘I Am A Loser’ and ‘Vacant TV’ are reminiscent of early(ish) Deathwish bands like Sex Positions, mixed with the noisy swagger of Pissed Jeans, all delivered with a distinctly British snarl.
The up-tempo nature of the record is broken up nicely by more nuanced tracks like ‘Lower’ and ‘Shower Of Shit’, which are more comparable to the likes of Shellac and These Arms Are Snakes than anything that could be considered ‘punk’, but still carry that unmistakable sneer in their attitude. There’s a definite noise-rock undercurrent supporting the whole thing, with vocals sounding more like they’re being bellowed through a megaphone at a riot than through a mic in a studio. This sits perfectly atop a churning, groaning bass sound, razor-sharp guitars and simple but urgent drumming.
It is a real shame that Death Pedals are calling it a day, but at least they’re walking away with their heads held high knowing that they put absolutely everything they had left into this fantastic release. It’s a bit sad that they won’t actually be doing anything off the back of it, but hopefully the various members will be back soon with something equally exciting. RIP Death Pedals, gone too soon.
LIAM KNOWLES