Bristol is currently having a real musical moment. We've recently covered the likes of IDLES, Heavy Lungs and Dogeyed. Now it's the turn of satirical art-punks LICE. Signed to the recently founded Balley Records which is the brainchild of Mark Bent and IDLES' very own frontman Joe Talbot, LICE have released their debut EP 'It All Worked out Great, Vol. 1'.
The EP opens with the beautifully chaotic 'Stammering Bill'. The repetitive bass riff and drum rolls amount to a passionate performance that is enough to grab anyone's' attention. The vocals here are near on inaudible but that's what gives them such charm. The song then breaks to a simple but dirty riff with a groove that contrasts perfectly with the track's turbulent opening stages. The second track, 'Voyeur Picture Salesman' is more laidback instrumentally but the vocals, more audible this time, are passionately delivered with a rawness and fierceness that can be hard to find in modern punk.
On 'Ted's Dead' LICE show us their more unconventional experimental side. The free-form trumpet solo in the middle of the track is a real touch of class and shows that LICE have more about themselves than your run of the mill punks. The lyrical themes are dark but witty, mirroring the band's playful image. The EP closer is a bass driven track that fluctuates in tempo introducing scratchy guitar riffs and heavy drum grooves. It's a brilliant final tune to end a fantastic debut EP.
With 'It All Worked out Great, Vol. 1' LICE have definitely cemented themselves as a punk band to watch. Their chaotic instrumentals combined with satirical lyricism, danceable grooves and brilliant riffs ensure this is a debut EP to remember.
Listen to the EP below.
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