As I write this review, South Walian noiesemongers Only Fools and Corpses are due on stage to support modern indie-punks Italia 90. While I may not be there in person, I can only picture the carnage they’re likely to leave behind.
The gig takes place at a venue in Cardiff, seeing Only Fools and Corpses virtually on home soil. No doubt having showcased material from their upcoming release “Pissant“. Which was recorded at the nearby facilities of One Louder Studios in Newport.
Only Fools and Corpses
The first couple of songs on the album caught my attention straight away, as they have a pulsating groove to them, backed with almost compulsory shouty vocals. In particular, album opener “SYLC II” has a sentiment any upcoming act can get behind as a chanted mantra of “Support Your Local Scene” is backed up by a repetitive bassline to help drill the message home.
For the most part, Only Fools and Corpses dish out a relentless set of modern hardcore, building up to the halfway point in “Swede” (video available below). Yet given the current musical landscape, it’s the following number “Greenhouse” that I can imagine getting the band noticed. Rather than being classic hardcore, think of it as somewhere along the lines of Idles or a more aggressive Yard Act.
The album comes to an end with “Malaise” and a tune that initially feels like a bit of an add-on, albeit in a good way. The song offers almost a respite to the rest of the release and dare I say, one that’s somewhat more melodic by comparison.
Although having said that, ultimately “Pissant” is just what any self-respecting hardcore fan wants – aggressive punk-infused 3-4 minute wonders. So while Only Fools and Corpses may well be encouraging us to support our local scene, remember the one coming out of Wales isn’t quite dead and buried yet either.
“Pissant” – Due Out 17th March 2023 via Nuclear Family Records
