Galway punksters Slyrydes have released double AA vinyl 7″ single ‘The Boy In The Debs Suit‘ / ‘I Claim To Be Intelligent‘ via Rough Trade. This is their debut vinyl release with six digital releases under their belt.
‘The Boy In The Debs Suit‘ was released in March 2021 and is a visceral assault on the senses. The Debs (short for debutante) is the end of school celebration in Ireland. So it is with some poignancy that the lyrics are about a missing boy, who is dressed in his Debs suit in the photograph on a map-post being used to find him. There is drama from the start with a reverberating guitar riff that is immediate in its impact before the pounding drums join in. The vocal of Marc Raftery is full of emotion which makes us believe in the story he is telling. There is uncertainty around the circumstances of his disappearance. Marc is also the lyricist and with reference to the boys parents, friends and brother all looking for him, it is heartfelt that the boy doesn’t seem to realise he is not alone. Slyrydes have never shied away from Mental Health issues and indeed have opened up about their own struggles. Perhaps there is some double meaning in lines such as:
“A picture his mates took
Drinkin outside
Weekend to remember
He was losing his mind”
These are thought-provoking lyrics – a weekend to remember yet losing his mind. Is this due to the alcohol or is there a deeper issue? As the track progresses Marcs vocals become more and more emotional, there’s almost a desperation to find this boy, and a guilt that he had been seen recently
There is heartache in the lyric: “We were in the same place” but is this physically or mentally? The two different interpretations have a huge impact on the narrative. The sonic backdrop continues to be full of electricity, ramping up the tension as the song progresses and the emotion builds. Finally there is a repetition of an appeal to share the post so the boy can be found. And simply a final crackle at the end, leaving the situation unresolved.
The flip side is equally as dramatic. ‘I Claim To Be Intelligent‘ begins with pounding drums and a guitar which winds its way into your ear and stays put. About half way through the track explodes with frustration and emotion, as if the pressure of trying to fit in is taking its toll. The music is pulsating creating a blast of noise which is confrontational as it is demanding of your attention. Slyrydes reference issues such as depression and panic attacks but with the backdop of a ferocious soundscape full of guitar reverb and thundering drums. The 4-piece have produced a double AA 7″ vinyl single that is worthy of your attention of should be played at full volume.
This is a limited release of 250 copies and I highly recommend getting your hands on one of these beauties quickly.
Please find more information on ordering here.
For more information on Slyrydes please check out their facebook and website.
Slyrydes debut album will be released early in 2022.
