Title: Friends On Benefits
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 13th July 2015
Reviewed By: Millie Manders
Ska and ska-punk is a funny thing. Or perhaps ironic in as much as it is iconic. It has a huge fan base and has been perpetuated in waves since the early 80s. It is known for it's roots in reggae and it's sunshine, energy and party-pleasing atmospherics. It's also really difficult to write a two-tone track without coming across as try hard or just very "samey".
The Meow Meows' latest EP Friends On Benefits, however, has managed this rather well. It is infectious, full of life and gets kudos for getting my head bopping and skanking going pretty much from bar one.
The instrumentation throughout the EP remains interesting and quirky whilst the integral upstroke guitars, dubby bass, snapping drums and hook-laden brass are never lost. On top of that, socially conscious lyricism is delivered with deft precision and a soulful tonality by lead ladies Danny and Hannah, that is refreshing in a male-dominated world.
Opening with title track Friends On Benefits I am struck by one thing: this is some serious groove. Without a doubt it is my favourite track on the EP and absolutely the right choice (in my very humble – ahem – opinion) for the music video, which by the way you should all watch: it's bouncy, engaging and infectious.
Lyrically the song takes a satirical stab at those on benefits whilst you're stuck in an office job thinking how much fun being paid not to work probably is. Delivered with brilliant diction and pronunciation this quick flick set of bars is a joy.
Moving on, London Road appears to be a story about a drunk pretty girl and a lost boy on London Road. It has a weaving, drunken feel to the track that lends to the disorientation of our lost boy, and the interesting use of synthesised harpsichord brings a very interesting flavour to a modern ska track.
Tits and Hatred is a brilliantly worded and socially conscious look at how the tabloids affect opinion, spread hate, contradict one another with varying versions of the same vile stories of depravity to disillusion, divide and conquer the general public. It's also a shout at the fact that they will put any amount of tits and hatred in to sell a few more copies. It's clever, fun, and poignant.
If you hadn't guessed already, The Meow Meows' new EP Friends On Benefits 100% gets my vote. It's available now on digital download and limited edition 7" vinyl. Go watch the video, download the EP, get the vinyl… Just don't pass it by.
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