Culture

Muzai Records
4.5/5
As much as I went off at Nick Fulton for his blog post (einsteinmusicjournal.co.nz), I do actually agree that Fatangryman are, at times, a bit unimpressive as a live act. Their apparent lack of technical ability occasionally mars what could be excellent songs and it's as frustrating for the audience as it must be for the band members. That said, every one of their sets has hinted at incredible potential begging to be mined and, with the guidance of "producer" Dan Speight and "savvy up-and-comers" MUZAI Records, they have created something that not only achieves this potential, but exceeds it to a point that I doubt anyone really expected. Srsly. This. EP. Rules. So. Hard. The irritating shyness that has hindered co-frontwomen Ary Jansen and Jessica Dew's live singing in the past isn't present on record. In fact, their dual vocals are what truly elevates this EP to next-level greatness. Equally as effective when they chant in unison (‘Wrapped In Plastic’) as they are when alternating and interlocking screams (‘Santa's Lap’), these teenage girls constantly veer between eerily haunting and manically unhinged, all the while maintaining an air of genuine creepiness. Although, the droney half-word screams they often replace for lyrics gets grating by the end. Their songs reek with No-Wave-y discordance, and while they sometimes make good on their threats to devolve into an atonal mess, the chaos is controlled just enough for it not to be considered lazy songwriting. Reminiscent of Dunedin prog-punks TFF and even the tragically underrated Sharpie Crows at times … JUST ASEJRFJKLEN LISTEN TO IT OK.