UK pop-punk is in a very good state at the moment, and Spineless Yes Men stake their claim as another fine addition to the genre with ‘The Death Of Denmark’. An EP is always a good way to test the waters, and ‘The Death Of Denmark’ is sure to keep existing fans happy by giving them exactly what they want, as well as introducing new ones to their unique sound along the way.
Just how much you enjoy ‘The Death Of Denmark’ and therefore Spineless Yes Men however weighs on a couple of very important points, that is the vocals and the lyrics they give voice too. Whilst the music has a familiar transatlantic pop-punk feel, the vocals of Tommy Towers are unmistakably from this side of the pond. For the most part this combination works well, and to be honest it would be weird hearing anyone sing about having some “cheeky shots” in anything but an English accent. Unfortunately there are times when it doesn’t quite work, and that’s often down to the lyrics and the sometimes overly simplistic rhyming couplets that occasionally crop up.
The songs themselves are a bunch of fun and honest pop-punk jams. There’s no attempt to overcomplicate the formula and ‘Clumsy’ for example, is only concerned with telling the tale of drinking too much and getting kicked out of a club. It’s sure to elicit a few laughs and bring back some hazy memories from those who have been in the same situation. ‘Jake’s BBQ’ is similarly straightforward, with a summery vibe and solid chord progression lifting the chorus to sing-along status.
However It’s ‘Ramleaze Drive’ that is the highlight, as it shows that Spineless Yes Men are more than capable of writing brilliant melodic punk songs. It’s a shame then that this contrast leaves ‘The Death Of Denmark’ feeling slightly confused. Slick punk full of satisfying riffs, or unpolished tongue in cheek pop-rock? Whatever direction Spineless Yes Men decide to take you can bet that they will have fun along the way.
CHRIS HILSON