Review: Bad Sounds – Escaping From A Violent Time Vol. 1 EP

Bad Sounds have become renowned for producing their own multi-genre niche; a distinguishable sound that has been polished and refined, across an array of hand-to-mouth singles-and-EPs. In 2018, Bad Sounds released their first album Get Better – a promising debut release that featured a number of funk-infused, soul anthems. Filled to the brim with unapologetically infective choruses, ‘70’s soulful synths and danceable swagger.  Last year, Ewan and Callum unveiled glimpses of the next instalments of their journey by releasing ‘Breathe’ and ‘Sympathetic Vibrations’ – along with the announcement that these tracks would feature on a forthcoming EP.

The latest EP Escaping From A Violent Time Vol.1 is a solo venture for the band, producing the album themselves and using a former underground prison cell, as the artistic environment to craft their tracks.  The prison cell environment shines through in the first track on the EP ‘Breathe’; as we are led into the song by an unnerving chainsaw and demonic electronica keys, to discuss hindsight in hell and the problematic nature of humanity.  In true Bad Sounds style, the Merrett brothers infuse funk-laden synths and swaggering rhythms into their opening track to confront the troublesome themes.

The second track ‘Permanent’ was released earlier this week, ahead of the upcoming release of the EP. The track has been well-received after being debuted on Annie Mac’s Future Sounds Show, and being performed by the pair at a Sofar Sounds set in Bristol.  On ‘Permanent’, the duo’s distinguished sound is brought to the forefront; it’s cut with a shamelessly infectious chorus, a psychedelic haunting baseline and a nurturing feel good vibe.

The shamelessly harmonious track ‘Jenny’ displays the creative songwriting ability of Bad Sounds. The track begins with a vocal sample “still a superstar” that sets a trend for the conversational style embedded in the verses, blended with some indie-pop riffs to add that niche magic.  The penultimate track ‘Hard Times’ offers an exploration of the zephyr-like version of Bad Sounds – featuring softly delivered harmonies accompanied with stripped back acoustic riffs; the song is a well-crafted balance consisting of sophisticated delicacy and is demonstrative of both brothers’ impressive falsettos, all crowned off with a bundle of self-deprecation.

The final track on the EP is ‘Sympathetic Vibrations’ and is described by the brothers as “a bit of a feel” that explores “how good and bad feelings can be contagious”.  The track is filled with a groovy mixture of echoing-hazy instrumental chatter, a relaxed backdrop and far-away whistles that all interlink for Bad Sounds’ bravest cut to date.  The titular information from the EP suggests Bad Sounds could deliver a second instalment to Escaping From a Violent Time Vol.1, however any second volume will need to wait till after the upcoming Bad Sounds tour.

Bad Sounds are well-acquitted with the UK touring circuit, and this year they will be revisiting familiar haunts on their promotional EP tour; the brothers will be calling in at Bristol (The Fleece), Manchester (The Deaf Institute) and Leeds (Live at Leeds). If their previous tours are anything to go by, you can expect confetti cannon spectaculars, a flurry of helium showers and a wealth of homecoming support.

See the full track list below:

1. Breathe

2. Permanent

3. Jenny

4. Hard Times (skit)

5. Sympathetic Vibrations

Bad Sounds will be performing at The Fleece, tickets can be found here: https://thefleece.co.uk/whats-on/gigs/bad-sounds/