Brutalist Records
Brutalist Records
Until recently the cassette tape has been a format that would cause uncertainty among the younger generation. With those in their early 20’s having never experienced the pain of rewinding their favourite album with a biro.
However, with the help of labels such as Brutalist Records, the music industry is starting to resurrect the humble cassette. The first release on Portsmouth’s Brutalist Records being that of South Coast favourites Horseflies.
The team behind the hard copy of the EP have taken extra care with the packaging and what you physically get for your money. Firstly there is, of course, a download code but we’ll come onto the actual music shortly.
Each cassette is encased in a limited edition metal tobacco tin, all with an individually numbered cigarette card. You’ll get a set of badges for your trouble too, along with the more traditional pull out sleeve.
So, there you have it, from a production perspective it’s these little touches that make it more than just a novelty release. In a way it’s similar to what people love about unwrapping a limited edition gatefold vinyl, only with “Lucidity”, you can it fit Horseflies in your pocket.
Horseflies “Lucidity” Out on Brutalist Records
Horseflies – “Lucidity”
The latest release from Horseflies starts with the hard-hitting “Phantom”. It’s angry and shouty and albeit even more so than the rest of the EP, it’s just what you want in an opener.
This is followed by “Fist” which by title alone you’d imagine it to follow in much of the same vein, but Horseflies are more polished than that. Tim Greaves production sounds great on the track, with “Fist” making “Lucidity” start to glide along in its post-hardcore glory.
The next tune in “Embers” has a slightly disjointed yet melodic feel to the music, but it’s all brought into check by Joe’s vocals. It’s a song I recognise from seeing the guys live, which considering the last time was a charity covers night, shows it must have made an impression then too.
Horseflies “Lucidity” EP
Its obvious Horseflies don’t like to go with complicated titles, with each track being just the one word. So while clearly my favourite track “Embers” burns into your memory, “Pieces” is potentially the only one I’d skip on the EP in order to hear the finale.
So, as for the last track “Denial”, there’s a different sort of intensity. It doesn’t smack you in the face like the opener, but then again it doesn’t need to. It’s still heavy, just there’s something almost hypnotic about it. After all, while Horseflies are always an impressive wall of sound, that doesn’t mean they have to be fast and furious.
If you want to get your hands on the 1st release from Brutalist Records, get in their quick as only 50 cassettes are being released. Alternatively, you can always buy the EP online via Bandcamp. Where you can also grab copies of previous releases such as “These Halls are Haunted Now” (Reviewed by Mr Teeth here).
Horseflies – “Lucidity” EP, Out Now.
