Determinedly lo-fi and with Cobain-esque vocals, theWorst are here to stand out with Blacksheepish.
Hiding just behind an undeniably great fuzz’n’fizz mix is a pretty traditional arrangement and some pleasingly-tight musicianship. Whilst it feels as if the train could jump the rails at any point, there’s a lot of great playing here, including subtle tempo changes and some tremendous driven guitar parts, all energy and intent.
Sounding a bit like an outtake from one of Blur’s 90s Life albums (I could imagine Damon Albarn yelping all over Blacksheepish), a punk heart may be beating at the centre of this song, but the sensibilities are all punchy and deliberately precise. We also get some definite and deliberate hooks that provide a counterpoint to the rawness and desperation of the lead vocals, which sound tonsil-stretchingly overwrought… in a good way!
There are some deceptively sweet backing vocals lending support, but the main tip of the hat must go to the guitars and rhythm section, hammering out riffs and rolling around the kit with a furious intensity (and also a deft touch) which is something to behold.
Complexity combines with pile-driving power to root the song to the floor. The fact that the band switch effortlessly between pedal-to-the-metal and snatches of full-on syncopation makes Blacksheepish an exhilarating, adrenalin-soaked listen.
Find & follow theWorst on their website, Facebook & Insta.
