Hardcore was perhaps always going to be too small to contain a band such as Scowl. Their breakout debut ‘How Flowers Grow’ might’ve been fiery but in its title track there was unexpected tenderness, setting the scene for further shapeshifting as the subsequent EP ‘Psychic Dance Routine’ pushed on into grunge and alt-rock.
‘Are We All Angels’ goes further still, jettisoning much of the surface fury for a more layered, melodic approach that uses abrasiveness for effect rather than a default state. Opener and lead single Special acts as a microcosm: Kat Moss’s almost laconic vocal delivery is sprinkled with her more recognisable bark but it’s the radio-ready hook that sticks out.
But, even as Fantasy marries grunge riffage with singsong vocalisations, ‘Are We All Angels’ doesn’t connect as immediately as ‘Psychic Dance Routine’ did. A moment’s digging, though, reveals some of Moss’s most introspective lyrics to date and an adventurous spirit that refuses to be bound to any one genre.
In itself that isn’t particularly groundbreaking — Turnstile took a hammer to hardcore norms and became massive in the process with 2020’s ‘Glow On’ — but Scowl differentiate themselves with the bracing honesty of Not Hell, Not Heaven and Tonight (I’m Afraid), where Moss examines outside perceptions or assumptions about the band and her own relationship with their newfound fame.
Scowl could, by their own admission, just about play their own instruments when they first formed, and were limited less by ambition than skill. Those chops have been developed, honed and now the full scope of their mission can take flight with ‘Are We All Angels’. It’s a rocky ride at times, careening between poppy hooks and biting hardcore while refusing to be bound to either, but it’s never less than extremely exciting.
Scowl Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Mon May 05 2025 - MANCHESTER Rebellion
Tue May 06 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Digital
Wed May 07 2025 - GLASGOW Cathouse
Thu May 08 2025 - BRISTOL Thekla
Fri May 09 2025 - LONDON Dome, Tufnell Park
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