I love anyone that embraces their Australian accent, especially if that encompasses their singing voice. Bands that accept who they are, don’t mess around pretending to be something they’re not, and wholeheartedly grab their signature Aussie twang and run with it are held in pretty high esteem in my books, which is why I felt the need to share the new EP from Brisbane pop punk duo Bugs.
Based on the EP name alone, things are off to a good start. Too Fast For Satan is an ambitious and cool as fuck name in my opinion. Good job. Also, any EP with a track called Tinnies – equally rad. But the best thing about Bugs (aka Connor Brooker and Brock Weston) is the lyrics. Earnest, relatable, and refusing to beat around the bush, Bugs say what they mean and mean what they say.
Having such an accomplished grip on lyricism is no mean feat, and one that elevates Too Fast For Satan to a level higher than your average punk offshoot act. From the high energy ballad Heal, that sounds more like a song you would scream at a pub with your friends than a heartfelt and exposing song about rejection, to the second aforementioned Tinnies – with it’s thick Aussie accent and extremely relatable lyrics – things are well and truly off to a good start.
The EP takes a turn for the melancholy with Everything I Said, showing a more intimate and vulnerable side to Brooker – a side also shown in Self Conscious, with the punchy drums and jangly, garage guitar giving the songs an almost misleading upbeat feel. The sparse verses of these songs give room for the emotion to swell, this is where Bugs really shine – something I hope is indicative of future releases. Rounding things off very nicely indeed is Best Friend, fitting considering how much Brooker has just filled you in on in the four previous tracks. Sunshine-y, punchy and perhaps the most pop punk of them all, and although it’s a slightly cheesy love song, it’s so much fun all is forgiven.
Too Fast For Satan is gutsy, ambitious and promising. It shows a lot of potential, and immense growth for the duo who only have a very small number of gigs under their belt. Making mistakes is one thing, accepting them is another, and writing about them in such a way as this is something else entirely. But Bugs make it okay to be yourself, and that is the best thing about this EP. Sure there are some classic tunes about getting pissed with your mates, but the more exposed and vulnerable Bugs are, the better. A job very well done!