IT WOULD seem the Bristol underground scene is in rude health.
Last week we had a new download-only only round-up from Dorset boys moved uptown with a whole clutch of stoner psych goodness, Leeches.
And now we have a second missive from Brizzle-based guitar shamblers Home Counties: and it’s a cracking, snotty-cuffed slice of John Peel Show awkward squad finery.
First single “Redevelopment” picked up airplay from the like of Stuart Maconie, falling in between the surprised-declamatory delivery of Squid, and the more jerky, angular, cubist guitar snarl of the sadly-departed Duds.
“Dad Bod”, is great. Period. If John Peel were with us today, you can bet your bottom dollar that this would be getting a hammering, with a 12” to follow in an itchily hand-inked sleeve.
Check out this verse, with that cut-up summation of the surreality of the suburban, which we have last truly touched upon with Stump’s “Tupperware Stripper”:
“Cream interior, makes him feel superior
Strong home brewer, weak dad humour
Owns a Leatherman, falls asleep to Letterman
Bottle not can, cast iron pan.”
The guitars judder and snap like wire beneath vocalist Will Harrison’s acerbic word paste.
Will says: “Dad Bod explores modern middle-class masculinity, with a particular focus upon the ‘progressive’ metropolitan man. The song [addresses] a darker side, which is hidden behind the comfortability and respectfulness of a ‘dad bod’.”
Tour support slots with Sports Team and Pip Blom mean these lads – Will, Conor Kearney, Barn Peiser Pepin, Sam Woodroffe and Dan Hearn – have cut their teeth and are ready to gnaw at your lofi dreamscape. Nibble nibble.
“Dad Bod” is the second song to be taken from the upcoming debut EP, Redevelopment, which is due for release on September 4th via Alcopop! Records.
Alcopop! is also selling “Dad Bod” on cassette at its online store.
And remember: they love chips. Get ’em in.
