The Hangups - No Expectations
Melodic punk rock is alive and well in Malmo, Sweden, as witnessed by The Hangups, who just dropped a new EP, entitled No Expectations via Monster Zero Records.
The Hangups
Formed in 2015, the band began life as a trio, but expanded the lineup to four members, including original members Ale Hangup (vocals, guitar), and Hugo (bass), along with two new musicians added last year, Ludvig (guitar), and Poffe (drums). Last year, The Hangups toured Austria and will be touring Germany later this year. When not performing or laying down tracks in the studio, the band collects records, rides skateboards, and drinks beer. In other words, The Hangups are your typical punk rockers.
The band dropped their first EP, S/T, in 2018, on Monster Zero Records, followed by a single, “Danny Says.” No Expectations is the band’s second EP. Drums on the EP were played by Jimmy Weston, prior to his return to the Land Down Under.
Citing influences like Ramones, The Queers, Screeching Weasel, Parasites, Marked men, Teenage Bottlerocket, the band really holds it down, pumping out innovative punk music with wild abandon.
A cool breakdown full of echoing guitars and a splendid stuttering drum fill give the harmonics a pause before kicking it back into overdrive. This song is torrential.
No Expectations comprises four tracks, beginning with “Stupid World,” which rides fuzzy shimmering guitars and a buff rhythm made up of tight, vicious drums and a thrumming bass line. Ale’s voice is slightly reminiscent of Luke Esterkyn of Stroke 9, meaning it’s full of galvanizing energy and tasty sarcastic tones.
“Out Of Order” opens on rampaging guitars and a blistering beat propped up by sizzling percussion and a relentless bass line that never lets up. A cool breakdown full of echoing guitars and a splendid stuttering drum fill give the harmonics a pause before kicking it back into overdrive. This song is torrential.
“Done With You” features popping, stomping drums, shifting guitars full of hefty punch, and Hugo’s aggressive, savage-colored voice. The drums on this track are stellar, fast and rife with crunching flat tones that provide snap, crackle and pop.
“Bigger Brain” rides surges of guitar riffs and beau coup wall-of-sound harmonics punctuated by blazing drum fills and a searing guitar solo.
The Hangups deliver skintight musicianship with fierce energy and walloping sonic impact. This band kicks ass, really smiting the atmosphere with factor five momentum.
