On ‘Full of It’, Summer Cannibals’ third full length, the Portland natives have smoothed out a few rough edges in order to lend even greater punch to their rollicking punk ‘n’ roll, documenting the rise and fall of a relationship in short, sharp bursts of noise.
The full emotional spectrum experienced during the demise of a partnership is tackled during the course of the record, with guitarist and vocalist Jessica Boudreaux declaring her frustration on The Lover (“I don’t live inside your head.”) and addressing the realisation that a fairytale ending may not be on the cards on Simple Life: “I question everything I love and wish for things that I know I’ll never hold, like a simple life, and a simple love, and a simple home.”
At the top of the piece, Go Home, on which Boudreaux admits “You’re the problem, but I am too”, kickstarts the momentum with the help of a dynamic new rhythm section in Devon Shirley and Jenny Logan.
The track crashes along at a relentless pace, with guitar trills ringing out and its vocal venom reminiscent of early Babes In Toyland. It does not require much of a stretch to understand why Summer Cannibals found a home with Kill Rock Stars, a former home to Bikini Kill and Sleater-Kinney.
Talk Over Me sees Boudreaux take a break from from the emotional dissection and demand respect: “I’m not a bitch, it’s just preference, I’d rather not be harassed. It’s not what you think, it’s not what you say, just do me this favour and leave as fast as you came.”
Just A Little Bit, meanwhile, uses chugging guitars to create tension and complement Shirley’s rousing beats, which are rife throughout the record and particularly notable on the title track. Producer Chris Woodhouse comes into his own here, bolstering the record’s low end and adding extra heft to its multi-tracked guitars.
Make Up lets Logan and her bass take the lead before a stirring chorus kicks in to give the impression that Summer Cannibals are unrelenting. That is, until Fallen and Simple Life bring the album to a subdued and reflective close. Its low key conclusion is really the only downside to an album that does well to balance sheer power and fuzz with musical precision and clean licks.
Summer Cannibals Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu October 13 2016 - LONDON Garage
Click here to compare & buy Summer Cannibals Tickets at Stereoboard.com.
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!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
