Weatherstate: Dumbstruck

Artist: Weatherstate
Title: Dumbstruck
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 22nd January 2016
Reviewed By: Dan Stoten

If you're looking for a band to fill that gap between 90s pop-punk and the latest second-wave, you've just found them. Dumbstruck is a brilliantly crafted EP.

There's nothing in particular here that massively pushes any boundaries: there are other examples of bands and releases such as this. They're not all as catchy, hook-laden and riff-rich as this one, though, and they're certainly not all as well written or as relevant to listeners.

The EP opens with the short Stutter, and sets expectations high right from the off: there's everything you need within the twenty-second intro, from guitar feedback right through to steadily increasing cymbal crashes. Following the intro, the verse drops into a frantic gallop, speeding off the walls created by the incessant drum beat. It's catchy as hell and has more energy than a lot of the second wave pop-punk you'll find yourself listening to.

Ill comes next, the first single from the record. It's got a brilliantly old-school, drawling style, with elements of grunge thrown in alongside the pop-punk. Lyrically, it's clever but simple, meaning it's really accessible for the listener. The chorus here, too, is bouncy and head-bang-inducing: everything you want in a punk track. There's a great instrumental section towards the end, too, which really gives the guitar and bass the chance to grab the listener by the lapels and pull them in to the track. It's a belter.

Third song here is Stuck In A Hole, which follows more of a similar pattern. It's at a slightly slower pace, with plenty of revving and slowly-building crescendos ahead of the chorus, which drops again into a bouncy, late 90s style punk track. Harry's vocals are strong, gravelly and rich while also matching the tone of the song itself. Again, it's catchy as fuck and you'll be nodding along to every single one of those bouncing drum beats.

The fifth and final track on the EP, Grinding My Teeth, is worth mentioning, too, with it's slowed-down and pared-back style showing Weatherstate are more than capable of mixing it up a bit. Again it's got a grungy influence, and the whole song feels dark and brooding. For me, the tracks on the EP with a bit more energy are stronger than this one: but that's not to say Grinding My Teeth doesn't have a place.

This is a very strong EP, and one which is both very well written and nicely polished. The whole thing flows together nicely and offers a good taste of what is likely to be a band to watch.