A lively burst of energetic indie punk...
Heavy Lungs merges classic punk with a touch of funk, inventive audio landscapes, passionate vocals, and a generous serving of humor that addresses serious themes and inspirations. Their second album, ‘Caviar,’ rushes along at a lively pace, fully captivating the audience. Recorded over ten days in their hometown of Bristol, ‘Caviar’ radiates enthusiasm and excitement throughout. Vocalist Danny Nedelko and bassist James Minchall connected while working together in a restaurant kitchen, which inspired the opening track ‘Yes Chef.’ The initial jarring static seems to signal, “Hold onto your hats, here we go!” It's a tight and fast album opener, complete with a bell for service ringing at the end! The exhilarating vibe continues on ‘Cushion The Blow,’ heavily influenced by iconic bands like Black Flag. It starts on a hardcore note but makes a significant shift halfway through, spotlighting the drumbeat and guitar riff – although it soon returns to its relentless pace before everything comes together at the finale.
‘Get Out’ stands out as a highlight. This entire track embodies classic punk with shouty yet melodic vocals and rattling instrumentation. The line “Oh how I wish to disappear,” sung by Danny, is deeply poignant, expressing the frustration of someone striving to overcome the barriers confining them.
This reviewer eagerly anticipated the title track, as ‘Caviar’ feels somewhat out of sync with Heavy Lungs. Initially, there was some confusion regarding where the title appeared in the lyrics. Upon a second listen, it became clear it’s pronounced as ‘Coffee-Ya’! Amusingly, it conveys a lot without saying much at all, with zipping electronics and background vocals complemented by guitar riffs while the drums keep pounding. Inspired by John Dahl’s film Rounders, the narrative revolves around a fictional high-roller frequenting James Bond’s favorite locale, Casino Royale. ‘Caviar’ symbolizes aspiration, representing a life that must be prosperous enough to afford such indulgences.
‘Into The Fire’ comes as a surprise after everything that has proceeded. It’s undeniable that this is Danny Nedelko’s impressively deep voice. A slow-burning track, it begins with a trudging distorted bass, evoking a Bauhaus vibe, contrasting the frenetic punk and garage elements that have preceded it. ‘Ballerina’ throws us right back into the chaos, reflecting a painful breakup, especially with its frenetic turmoil towards the end. There’s an ironic twist as ‘Self Portrait’ delves into procrastination. Yes, from a band that has released their second album (debut ‘All Gas No Brakes’ came out in 2024 via Alcopop! Records) and three EPs since their formation in 2017, which included two years of lockdown. Also, keep an ear out for a playful nod to a certain group of “well-dressed Swedes.” ‘Call It In’ speaks to the search for solace in alcohol. It’s an appropriately harsh track, with despair emanating from the speakers. Suddenly, the guitar begins producing strange, mutated Morse Code signals. Eventually, the whole project collapses under the weight of its chaos. Following with ‘Put Thy Kettle On’ feels pointed. It’s an odd moment, a breath of fresh air but still captivating, as the sounds are unusual, aside from the boiling kettle, of course.
'Mr. Famous’ presents a different vibe altogether. It’s blatant, bold, and frankly hilarious. "I just want to be famous, this is boring.” The vocals are the least abrasive on ‘Caviar,’ showcasing a swagger with lyrics and vocal delivery filled with cheeky characterization. An eruption of wild abandon occurs towards the end, but it seems more like a release of built-up frustration. The final track, ‘Life’s A Buffet,’ was the last to be written for ‘Caviar.’ Heavy Lungs expressed a desire to conclude with a 60s concept album feel, but without the concept. Thus, ‘Life’s A Buffet’ wraps up ‘Caviar.’ Enough said.
7/10
Words: Julia Mason
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Heavy Lungs blend classic punk with a touch of funk, incorporate unique and intriguing soundscapes, deliver passionate vocals, and infuse a generous amount of humor.