Nottingham emo punks Taco Hell inject a healthy dose of gutsy pop punk nostalgia mixed with self-depreciation on their stunning second EP ‘Retainer.’ Before we go a bit more in depth with this review, this band should be praised on their impeccable pun-based name alone. Sure, it might not be the most serious of names, but hey, at least it shows they’re aiming to have something that sticks out from the crowd. It’s also fabulous that the band acknowledge it’s a silly name “to cover up the sadness”.
Right off the bat on ‘My Mother Wouldn’t Approve’, co-frontman Joe Booker crones over a hard hitting riff, “I don’t really like people, but I have to speak to them” – an incredibly relatable sentiment for all the introverts out there. The opening track only clocks in at a mere 34 seconds, but this alone already sets the EP off with a blast. Contrasting from this, the band flows effortlessly into ‘Palaeontology (Happy Birthday David Schwimmer)’.
The subtle intricacies with the snare drum taps and somewhat noodley guitar riffs are very well structured, giving a punchy sound that brings a much needed sense of variation. Joe and Eleanor ‘s call and response vocals accompany each other perfectly with ear candy harmonies that will be stuck in your head for days on end in the best way possible.
On tracks like ‘Hold The Door’ and ‘Wait For Me’, the band showcase a bit more bite and gutsiness in their approach, all while retaining a refreshing sense of originality in their approach. The production is somewhat rough around the edges but it’s exactly what you want from an emo EP. In that sense it’s quite stripped back, although at times the driving riffs are ornamented with a wee tinge of chorus pedal. Occasionally a Joyce Manor or Weezer inspired solo creeps into the mix, showing that Taco Hell are no strangers to displaying their clear influences.
Alongside the every day personal struggles that ‘Retainer’ touches on, the rather verbose and grotesque imagery on ‘Baby Teeth’ (“last night I had a dream that all my teeth fell out of my teeth onto the ground”) adds a flair of honesty in their lyrics.
Ending with the track ‘Cheesy Chips’, ‘Retainer’ finishes with an explosively satisfying crescendo. With any luck, this EP will give Taco Hell the recognition they wholeheartedly deserve, showcasing gruff emo refinement with incredibly tight musicianship.
ASHWIN BANDARI