Brighton-based Geordie three-piece Sick Joy’s latest EP ‘Amateurs’ packs a wallop. With a grunge based sound not heard properly since the ’90s, it’s a refreshing take on the genre. Channelling his inner Cobain, vocalist and guitarist Mykl Barton growls, shouts and purrs meaningful lyrics in a luscious tone. Add Danny Pitson’s driving basslines and Drew Michael’s drumming and it creates a gravitas and weight to the trio that’s rarely matched.
Opening with the melodic ‘Senses’, the EP starts with a bang. With delicate riffs, tight production and an infectious chorus, it sets the scene for the remainder of the record. Given they’re still a young band, only forming in 2016, there’s a real maturity, both sonically and lyrically and it really shines through. Being able to create such compelling tracks as well as having a clearly defined sound in such a short period is no mean feat and is a testament to how in tune the members of the band are with each other.
First single ‘Smiling Shame’ shows the real vocal range Barton has. There’s an honesty in his delivery. With a chorus that’ll sink its way into your brain for the rest of the week and a breakdown that’ll shred the eardrums, it’s easy to see where the Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins influence is.
With the bass led ‘Karma And Ketamine’ and the anthemic ‘Stumbler’, the EP closes in the way it starts: grotty, meaningful and exquisite. Clocking in at around 15 minutes, it’s not a long listen but it doesn’t feel like it needs to be. It’s got everything you need within those four tracks; there’s no filler. It’s a post-grunge romp that evokes the likes of Nirvana and Breaking Benjamin yet is still totally fresh. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
ANDY JOICE