Opener ‘BUGS’ bursts in with rebellious spirit and implies this band’s musical education ranges from The Monkees right through to Arctic Monkeys (via The Kinks and The Beatles).
Then ‘Inside My Mind’ oozes in: psychedelic, seductive and dripping with soul. But it’s really all about ‘Blurred Vision’, which glistens with metallic riffs and “Aaaaah-aaah-aah”s that channel Kasabian at their finest. This standout track’s arrangement is a thrill a minute! After paring right back to just urgent guitar parts and fuzz accompanying “blurred vision” on repeat, pummelling drums and cymbal mayhem cue a stacks-on instrumental thrash sesh.
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Rhyming lyrics seem to spontaneously spill from lead singer/guitarist Quin Grunden’s chops, like he’s freestyling. Elsewhere, ‘Le Fangz’ slithers in like a pleasure-seeking lounge lizard (is that cheeky “fa-fa-fa/ fa-fa-fa-fa-fang” a nod to ‘Psycho Killer’ by Talking Heads?); ‘No Thanks (I’m Going Surfing)’ is irresistible ocean escapism; and the record’s downtempo penultimate track ‘Take It Or Leave It’ features a reassuring, strummed singalong moment. Then conversational closer ‘Lucky Enough’ lovingly supports a mate in need: “We’ll get this sickness out your head, man/ And leave the doctors at home/ You’re just laying in bed, man/ Don’t wanna leave you alone…”
We’re not exactly sure Which Way Is Out but, when it comes to The Grogans, we’re definitely all in.
Label: Cousin Will Records
Release date: 28 October
