Outstanding, heart-racing garage punk...
Gnarcissists have taken quite some time to finalize their debut album. Their 2019 garage punk eruption ‘Caught In The Webb’ acted as a warning shot, delivering a 17-minute assault of primitive riffs and frenzied screams. Since then, they’ve faced ups and downs, emerging somehow both enriched and depleted. Produced with Gus Oberg and Johnny T, their self-titled debut is a cacophonous tribute to cathartic rock ‘n’ roll, featuring 14 tracks that erupt from the depths of the Bowery.
Packed with energy and devoid of filler, the music is so raw it practically pulses, with blood splattered across their grinning faces. ‘Dr. Ed’ showcases razor-sharp guitars and pounding drums, with the triple guitar attack from James Hernandez, Matt Tillwick, and Ben Arauz threatening to rupture the Earth's core. There’s also a surreal pop aspect – a concise two minute and 26 seconds that resembles an old-school 45, a catchy earworm for an alternate reality.
The standout moments come thick and fast. ‘Daisy’ features a wicked guitar riff reminiscent of Bernard Sumner, while the aptly named ‘Cure’ captures the essence of Robert Smith’s band, enhanced by Matthew Orr’s soaring vocals. Always ready to go full throttle, Gnarcissists don’t just break down doors; they obliterate walls – the live favorite ‘Fentanyl’ is sharp, clean, and utterly debauched, while ‘Celebrity’ delivers a punk energy worthy of The Sonics.
This is an album that often leaves you gasping for air. ‘We All Just Wanna’ steamrolls through with Jerome Peel’s drums, while Baby Delgado’s frenetic bass on ‘Counter Strike’ could very well snap your spine if you’re not cautious.
Sonically aggressive yet oddly melodic at times, Gnarcissists balance beauty and brutality. It’s stripped down and minimalist, but that’s entirely intentional. Take ‘Models’ with its mantra of “I like it / I like it / I like it.” Our conclusion? We certainly like it.
‘Hk Ultra’ reinvents the Ramones’ sound with explosive intensity, while ‘Suffocate’ reflects an even quirkier Kinks vibe. How else can one explain an album concluding with a track titled ‘Intro’? Delightfully mischievous – and honestly, we're completely on board with it.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Gnarcissists have taken quite some time to finalize their debut album. Their impressive garage punk assault from 2019, 'Caught In The Webb,' was a 17-minute alert.