The first track from their EP, 4FriendsInARoomWithAGun, Manica Satanica is a fractious energy blast from the maniacal laugh intro-get-go! Bongos and a crazed choir of background vocals explode into bass and floor tom before some fuzzy guitars and full drums lock together into a succession of tight punchy riffs that thrum with reckless tempo and enthusiasm.
Adrenalin-soaked and keen to press on, the sound of In The Next Life is frantic – morphing in and out of Nirvana-like spaces, too – but also nods to some seventies tropes when a wah-like effect is introduced to the guitars about two thirds of the way through. It provides progression and colour to the dynamic; a smart move in the face of the relentless rhythm section.
The lead vocals from Caroleen Stewart move from controlled and bluesy through to shrieking banshee as the track progresses: ‘Just a devil woman strutting through your town / Burning it up and tearing it down’. It’s a raw and honest instrument that carves out interesting melodic shapes and rhythms – words change where you wouldn’t expect them to, and specific dissonant notes are sung with huge assurance and swagger.
The drums roll around while the muscular riffs are nailed down by guitar and bass and the whole effect is something of a whirlwind of punky energy. The changes in patterns and energy are well executed and the transitions are properly punctuated and sound like a band thoroughly enjoying itself. It’s an effervescent track that’s still fizzing even when the last crash fades out…
Download the music via Bandcamp. Find & follow In The Next Life on Facebook.
