Moss Side Sauna Club release the fuzzy and infectiously catchy debut ‘FREAK’. A perfect introduction to the Manchester-based trio (Will Brooks, Maddy Storm & Sam Craighan), the single captures a strikingly complete sound and some radiantly hooky songwriting with a grunge edge, highlighting the band as one to watch.
Opening with a modulation heavy picked guitar line ‘FREAK’ wastes no time introducing its strikingly melodic vocal melody, delivered with an expressive and urgent flair. Gradually growing as the drums build, the instrumentation cuts to a swelling feedback as a delicate harmony underpins the main vocal, beckoning in the chorus.
The track bursts into life as the drums explode into a wall cymbals, warming bass and guitars take on a fuzzy tones under the vibrant and tightly locked vocal harmonies, which shine bright over the murk of the instrumentation. Commercially minded through its melodies yet retaining a garage rock edge thanks to the gritty production and retrained, yet intense instrumentation, the track is an exciting taste of what the trio are capable of.
Thematically, it’s a song about embracing contradictions—Catholic guilt, naked intimacy, and sexual freedom all collide in a swirl of distorted pop bliss.
Self produced by Moss Side Sauna Club, recorded in Steam Room Studios in Salford, ‘the track ‘FREAK’ was then mastered by Pete Maher (Lana Del Rey, The 1975, and Pixies), allowing the track to reach its full potential. Raw and edgy, ‘FREAK’ sets an exciting tone for upcoming releases.
Listen below:
