Melbourne based punk band, Deaf Wish, have released their first LP, Pain, on the legendary label Sub-Pop. The band are the first in Australia to be signed with the label, which makes sense considering their post-punk, grunge sound is perfect for the label that has signed acts as notable as Nirvana and Soundgarden.
It’s hard to review the album as a whole, each song is individualised and unique in structure. The band gives everyone an equal share of vocals, making each track considerably different from the last – there’s something for everyone. Each member has their own style behind the mic, and they utilise their instruments to work with each unique approach.
The album kicks off with The Whip, a fragile rumbling, slow-paced track that graduates from a two-note riff with layered vocals to a full-blown, hectic, cymbal crashing affair. The quick change in this introduction is indicative of the entire album. The LP is ever-changing, showcasing fast-paced, energetic tracks like Newness Again, and Eyes Closed, and then progressing into the airy, subtle Sex Witch.
As the album moves forward, the differences between each track become the norm, and it starts to blend as one. That is, until Dead Air, a full six minutes of messy guitar riffs and distortion. The song will have you waiting for something more, vocals, consistency, anything. But it ends without submitting to your wants, leaving a confusing sense of satisfaction for what was just listened to. They bring it back with Calypso, a song that meets the probable expectations from the band. It is a nice close to an eclectic album, making the LP feel whole.
Pain is an interesting progression on from your average punk album. Everything about this band, from the album name, to the track’s titles seem fitting for the genre, but they have created something that is almost, but not quite, out of the box. On the initial listen, the bands sound is reminiscent of established punk bands like Trapped Under Ice and Have Heart. However, as the album progresses it proves to be so much more than the stock-standard punk album. The members share of the musical duties is probably the most simple evidence of this, but the melodic nature of their sound also should be noted. It isn’t just punk, it’s progressive, it’s dark, it’s expansive – especially for a genre that has arguably remained stagnant in recent years.
While Deaf Wish certainly have a ways to go in terms of exposure and popularity, they are creating something very important for their scene. They are exactly what punk needs right now.
You can purchase the album here.