Death and the Penguin - Accidents Happen

(CD EP Review)

****

Fans of Radiohead, Foals and The Mars Volta are in for a treat with this band.

London, Brixton based band Death and the Penguins are making their debut with their first EP ‘Accidents Happen’ being released on May 5th. This EP is great and it includes everything you should want, it have classic riffs, great vocals and catchy melodies, making it a sure fire for the band!

The first song on the EP is 'Snuffed Out' and it is a really great and stand out track, full of different textures and dynamics to make it a great song to listen to as its so interesting, not the bog standard Indie Rock song. Every part of the song has been thought out thoroughly, with every instrument being used perfectly to make the song a track you don’t want to miss. The sound reminds me of the Arctic Monkeys but theres more to it, its more raw, more gritty and this suits this release down to the ground.

The second track 'Space 1998' starts out just as the name would suggest, really spaced out and gentle, but slowly builds up with all the instruments coming in more and more, the guitars plays really catchy riffs and the vocal recording harmonies really work wonders to make an awesome track. The drums on this track really show the drummer off, playing little bits here and there that really fill out on the Track. Also the same can be said about the guitar, the main riff is simplistic and driven and really helps to complete the song.

'An Opening' starts off really oriental and eary with a creepy backing to the vocals. The track itself is only just under two minutes long but its such a unique track for the band that it really stands out. 'Strange Times' is such a kick after this track and it jumps straight in your face, throwing the tracks loud guitar and vocals at you. Being the so late on in the EP the song is quite a distinct track with the stop start aggressive chorus and the such a gentle verse, its not the normal layout, but the band make it work really well.

Like the previous track, its quite short being on the shy side of two and a half minutes long, but then some of the best tracks are the shortest one. Never here or less this track is still a great song and like the saying says “quality over quantity". 'Bitumen' is the weirdest track on EP instrument wise. For the first minute and a half it doesn’t really use proper instruments just repeated samples and vocal records to support the main vocal line until the drums start building and the guitars come in the with main riff. After this the song really kicks in and really pulls the listener in with its catchy driven nature.

The whole way through the song the guitars drive the direction the song is going, and with slight guidance from the vocals, the song keeps going, taking different twists and turns and then just come to a sudden end, which was pulled off brilliantly. 'The words that Maketh Murder' is a cracking way to end the EP. It is the sixth and final song on the EP, and what a song it is. As soon as it starts you know its going to be a great song, just from the gang shout of vocals to the simplistic yet attacking drive from the guitar and drums.

The song is like it the whole way through, just attack after attack of guitar riffs and vocals and it keeps building, with no sign of letting off. It's a great gritty track with amazing melodies and vocal work that you can really seek your teeth into, which really brings the EP to a close, but it leaves you wanting more. The whole concept and sound of this release is great, and really will show the four boys off to the World. You can tell how much work and effort they have put into the EP through the six songs, and from the sounds of it you will be hearing a lot more from the boys.

This was a great way for them to make their mark on the music world and to get them onto the music step ladder, but that's just my opinion, check the boys out for yourself through their single 'Strange Times' which is currently being featured on BBC Introducing, XFM "Featured Artist" and Amazing Radio. This is an EP that I will be buying myself because I really enjoyed it and think this is a band to watch in the future.

Review by Ryan Monshall