poppedmusic

Weak Dose

Released June 2015

Words: Nick Jacques

This 4 piece indie-rock band hail from the leafy suburbs of Epsom in Surrey with an indie/rock sound which is anything but in the form of a weak dose. Within the space of 3 tracks on here they tear through the proceedings with heart-felt trademark indie/rock dynamics and tortured vocals.

The band paints themselves as serious and opinionated individuals, judging from the band’s description on their Facebook page. Part of their synopsis says they are “Four Comrades with an eye for a tune and an eye for injustice spit politically proactive bars that threaten the establishment with a hatred and anger that burns so so deep” You can really hear these views come through in their music and it gives them an impressive edge.
This is their second EP and their 1st track Obliterate is a sound of a band that are maturing with each release – Singer Alex Somerville really sings like he means every word and hits his notes with ease. The opening slide-guitar is a nice touch as well with the drums providing a tight rhythm section. The ending of the track builds with a good climax well and had my attention throughout.
Routine Shootings gallops away with distorted vocals about heresy whilst moody guitar noodling workouts and some cool bass fret work keep the band in check – There are echoes of 80s REM in this track. With final track Petrol Money it begins with measured languid guitar interplay before exploding into life with battering drums and guitars howling – the drumming leaves its mark again as it sounds tight with its precise beats. The track then takes somewhat of unexpected turn and conjures up one final climatic passage which plays out in compelling and satisfyingly noisy fashion.
If Tsar Bomba can continue writing music with this much meaning and passion then I think they might be able to develop their potential even further. Another dose will do just fine.

Listen to Weak Dose EP here: