Sotohead - V
Singapore’s pop punk outfit Sotohead, formerly known as The Misfit Ramones, just dropped a new album, called V.
Sotohead
Formed in 2008 by Justin, the band began as a tribute punk band to the Misfits and Ramones. Supposedly, the band was to dissolve after playing a few shows, but kept on pumping it out. The original lineup was a trio: Justin (bass), Syam (guitar, vocals), and Mizar (drums). In 2013, the band added Raf (guitar, vocals) to the lineup.
V contains 10-tracks, starting off with “Keep Calm And Eat Nasi Lemak,” which opens on tight riffing guitars supported by snap, crackle, pop percussion. The catchy melody drives forward relentlessly, as radiant harmonies back the lead vocals. Nasi lemak, by the way, is a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, and is pretty much the national dish of Malaysia and surrounding areas.
“Bad Time To Be In A Punk Rock Band” opens on a Weezer-like melody, dark and muscular, and then flows into a grinding pop-punk sound traveling on skintight stuttering guitars. I love the gang vocals after the breakdown, full and resonant.
Shifting, growling guitars infuse the tune with tasty sonic patterns, especially when the gleaming accents kick in.
“Bird Shirt” features dirty guitars riding an austere rhythmic pulse topped by humorous lyrics: “Do you want some bird shit on your head?”
“I Don’t Wanna Go To Work Today” delivers sizzling punk energy, as searing guitars ride a beat with beau coup muscle. Shifting, growling guitars infuse the tune with tasty sonic patterns, especially when the gleaming accents kick in.
“Don’t Gentrify” hits home with thick, muddy guitar tones topping a thumping kick drum that really drives the rhythm. Nasal vocals exude plenty of punk defiance, sneering with mean sarcasm. “No More Train Delays” rumbles and rolls with charging energy and gang vocals. A bold, crushing breakdown full of grand drum fills and raging guitars eventually flows into a rapid-fire punk melody rushing ahead with out-of-control dynamics.
With V, Sotohead offer up hard-hitting pop-punk full of infectious rhythms, good vocals, and oodles of frenzied insolent force.
