When a mainstream publication announces their latest ‘Best new band in the world,’ I am always both intrigued and dubious, with no disrespect intended to said publication, obviously!
However, I am so, so glad that I decided to hit play on this one, it’s going to be in rotation for a while I feel.
Released last year ‘Something to Consume’ is the debut full length album from Austin firebrands Die Spitz. Following on from 2 Eps, a string of SXSW appearances and an electric UK tour this release finds the band in dazzling form.
I was talking to Jaff last night about the challenges bands face in defining their sound. Do you take inspiration from your peers, from the sounds and techniques of the moment? Or do you find yourself drawn to the past? In both cases, you must find a way to engage the audience’s ears and brains, to capture their imagination and take them on your journey. Die Spitz have, I think, found that secret sauce that allows them to blend Riot girl, grunge, punk, dream pop and doom into a single, delicious gumbo of riffs, hooks, and melodies.
Opener ‘Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry for the delay)’ seduces with a drawled, swaying intro before bursting into life with a Brody Dalle-esque sneer, chugging guitars and enough hooks to land a Megalodon.
‘Throw Yourself to the Sword’ fully embraces the METAL with Sabbathian guitars and distinctly Doomy dynamics.
Well paced, exploratory, inquisitive, and righteously pissed off the rest of the album weaves and snakes through stylistic change after stylistic change culminating in the sprawling, dream like ‘a strange moon/selenophilia’ dripping with reverb and pulsing bass to send us off into the night.
It’s always comforting to find that there are still young bands emerging with all the fury and vitality that only youth can provide – Ready to spit in the face of the world and rebuild it, song by song.
Best paired with: Red Bull and hair dye.
Reviewed by jake (our wine expert)
die spitz – something to consume is out now on third man records.
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