It is a truth universally acknowledged that 2016 has been shit. Why? We needn’t provide a list of examples. It’s about time then – deep in the depths of November – that something came along to cheer us up. Woe’s debut EP (called ‘Woes’, funnily enough) has done just that. Praise you pop punk Gods for this seasonally-inappropriate release: it’s upbeat, sunny, and just what we needed.
‘Tight AF’ doesn’t muck about. Straight in at the deep end, the echoing introduction blossoms into a diverse melting pot of pop punk sensibilities. Heavier moments contrast with softer, melodic interludes where the raucous guitars and racing drums give the vocals a chance to breathe – a theme throughout the EP. Managing to sound equally radio-friendly and basement gig-worthy, it carves a space for itself among the current scene.
Hailing from Edinburgh and the local area – where they’ve recently shared the stage with Trash Boat – they haven’t used their natural Scottish accents, but they don’t sound entirely American or English either. Little flickers of originality slip out from bassist Sean Duddy during ‘Worst Friend’ (“guess I’m stuck in my ways, guess I’ll never change”), his vocals seamlessly complimenting lead singer David Jess. The video might have been filmed in a dark room, but the sound is nothing but light; an understandable choice for lead single.
The crisp opening riffs of ‘Winter Sun’ invoke memories of old New Found Glory, but the frenzied chorus and high-pitched vocals are instead akin to modern pop punk names like WSTR or These Minds. Singing lyrics like “she’s smart, she’s funny, she’s the only girl for me,” it’s not complex but it’s catchy and the stop-start chords are irresistible.
The pop punk sound is consistent throughout the EP, although every song brings something slightly different. For ‘Be Alone’, it’s a slower tempo than its predecessors. Oh, and a killer chorus. A more measured effort than its EP mates, the grower sounds like a future hit in the making. During moments when the vocals are given their own chance to shine in an almost unaccompanied section, a soulful quality comes through.
Rather than ending the record on a downer – or the customary, lacklustre ballad often found as filler on these sorts of things – the energy is cranked up again for ‘Almost Gone’, a high octane, drum-rolling finish. It’s packed with forceful vocals that push them to the limit, unstoppably speeding guitars, and an emotive, soaring end.
Setting themselves up nicely as a member of the Rude Records family, Woes have done themselves proud with their debut. A big deal has been made of the fact Wrexham’s Neck Deep have sang the band’s praises, but there’s really no need – Woes can hold their own among the bigger names on their own, no question.
KATHRYN BLACK