Over a year on from the release of their debut single, 21, Denim Snakes have returned with a self-titled full length that’s a true tale of two halves.
Opening with The Guard, the band’s most recent single, the Barry four-piece immediately display their knack for crafting perfect slices of three minute guitar pop, but there's a dark underbelly to the record that's waiting to be unearthed.
Following up its addictive chorus, the next couple of tracks take on a definite radio-friendly quality, moving closer to a Kooks-esque brand of singalongs and summery riffs. In that vein, both 21 and The Runaways show a keen ear for a melody.
But, as the halfway point approaches there's a sense that you haven't really got to know the band yet. While there's nothing wrong with the top section, it's apparent that something has been held back.
She's A Woman intensifies that feeling as the volume of the rhythm section rises, ushering in a dirty bassline and Russell Toomey’s menacing vocal. They wear this heavier style far more comfortably and from there on, ‘Denim Snakes’ is an intensely enjoyable listen.
They really let rip on Don't You Want Me, a song that has all the attitude of the band’s punk roots but never loses their sense of melody. It's as though the shackles have suddenly been released and both Happiness and Sex possess the same rhythm-driven feel, with the former offering a wink to the Beatles' Happiness Is A Warm Gun as it closes.
There's a temptation to view this record as a pair of EPs, but whether mixing up the running order would have made for a more coherent piece is difficult to judge. The second stanza is unquestionably the stronger, with songs that demand to be heard and played live to a sweaty mass of bodies. It will be very interesting to see which direction Denim Snakes head in future.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
