Yes, that’s a strange band name. But then again, Laundry for the Apocalypse are a strange band. That is in no way meant to be a disparaging remark. There is a variety of sounds and influences here, with songs changing shape and structure from melodic indie pop to aggressive punk and back again.
This approach isn’t off-putting, however, nor does it suggest the music is flawed; the fluid nature of the songs and album means that, rather than having bits you love juxtaposed with some that you’d rather fast forward through, the tracks just work.
So who do they sound like? They’re described as ‘buzz saw pop’ in the press release, however I have no idea what that means. To my ears it’s an odd combination of Pixies lead guitars, Soundgarden’s downtuned chords, shouty indie punk verses and classic Hammond organ. Oh, don’t forget the trumpets. Add to this a layer of experimentation akin to some of the more obscure guitar bands, and you have a bewildering mix that takes you to some unexpected but welcome places. The instrumental ‘Ka Blinka’ ended up being my favourite track because sonically, it did everything right for me and showed them at their greatest strength.
After ‘Helven’, the album opener, I was hopeful. Halfway through the second track, ‘Sad Today’ I was slightly disappointed and ready to write them off, but I gave it a chance and persevered. Then the next few songs, I was sold. They are good, very good indeed, and they can balance gentle keys and guitar melodies with heavier, down-tuned insanity, but not so much so that it becomes too much.
A perfect example is ‘No Despair’, which heads towards its fifth minute and beyond with all instruments in top gear alongside the screaming vocals, and then ends with a simple final chord ringing out. Everything in moderation, but in an exciting way.
Out now through Mostar Records
Posted by Joe Purse.
