The Tubs albums

2023

Dead Meat - 91%

The question of "can an album be too short?" comes up when I think of this record, because really it is the perfect length for what it is. At a brief 26 minutes and 9 songs, the album has the feel of being long enough. Each song takes something out of you, and then gives you something back. It’s a Vital, kinetic debut record from an up and coming rock group reminding me at once of Richard Thompson at his most distinct and literate, The Feelies at their most passionate, and Sonic Youth at their most accessible but retaining an edge. In all, quite the mixed bag of influences AND they are their own thing!

      Each song is so full of surprises: “Illusion Pt. 2” has enough energy to fuel a lead track, but helps with lead guitar work that recalls the best players from the UK in the 1980s; “Wretched Lie” is their version of an epic with some of the most heartfelt lines; “Two Person Love” takes a honest look at relationships with hard hitting but also playful riffs; title track “Dead Meat” is a punchy pop song while still retaining a great sense of melody. They take a lot from indie rock, but the attitude is way more mixed with a snarl that could only come from the best punk rock. “I Don’t Know How it Works” and “Duped” are among the great single ready songs of the year. “Sniveller” is my favorite song, a song that repeats its 4 part structure that combines the best of their influences into something that shows they have control over their sound in a way few other bands of the era reach. I can’t to see where they go from here!

Best Songs: Sniveller, Two Person Love, Wretched Lie