“I came here for two reasons: to kick some ass and chew some bubblegum. And I’m all out of bubblegum.” These wise words were uttered by the one and only Rowdy Roddy Piper in John Carpenter’s science fiction dystopia classic They Live!.
I have no idea why, but this delicious quote was the first thing that popped into mind upon my first listen to Melbourne noise-pop trio Pearls, and their debut self-titled EP. They would seem to have come here for two reasons as well: to kick some arse and deliver some seriously wicked jams. And I’m here to tell you that, boy-oh-boy, are they full of some seriously unhinged, hypnotic and entrancing guitar-heavy music.
Fans of classic noise-pop outfits The Jesus And Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine will have much to celebrate in this offering. Guitarist Ryan Caesar, organist Cassandra Kiely and drummer Ellice Blakeney know what they’re doing, and they do it quite well. The four tracks on Pearls are sublimely crafted gems that resonate thoughtfully with a sound that balances perfectly twixt order and chaos.
Opening track Wait & See ushers the listener into a wash of distorted surf-rock, full of banging drums, muddled vocals and a ghostly, lurching organ permeating the background in a delicate embrace. Hey enters that weird universe inhabited by the likes of David Lynch – the brooding guitar licks and lazy hazy rhythm wouldn’t be out of place on Twin Peaks.
Into Your Arms moves at a steady clip and reminds one of a spaced-out and gothic twist on The Beach Boys’ classic LP Pet Sounds, and then closing number I Will Never Know, with its militaristic beats and fetching vocal harmonies, is a dark star of bundled-up energy, ready and frothing at the leash to go out and fuck some shit up.
This is a brilliant debut, from an exciting band that’s ready to mix genres up and deliver unto this world a stylish, dangerous, and truly engaging listening experience. Highly, highly recommended.
BY THOMAS BAILEY
Best Track: I Will Never Know
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: MY BLOODY VALENTINE, THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN, BEACH BOYS
In A Word: Fuzzy
