EP Review :: Gaffa Tape Sandy - Family Mammal

EP

Gaffa Tape Sandy

Family Mammal

August 9 2019 (Alcopop!)

7.5/10

Words: Sam Geary 

Brighton-based Gaffa Tape Sandy's latest EP 'Family Mammal' comes somewhere between an extended EP and a mini-album; either way you get your money's worth with the eight-track garage rock offering.

Opener 'Beehive', their 2017 single, kicks things off with plenty of exuberance catchy hooks and off-kilter melodies which surround the dual vocals of Kim Jarvis and Catherine Lindley-Neilson. 'Meathead' takes a hard swipe at attitudes that surround sexual consent and unwanted advances, with Lindley-Neilson declaring "that makes you the worst kind of criminal / wait till they catch you".

'Headlights' is a vivacious three-minutes with a catchily melodic garage pop rhythm section, while 'So Dry' sees them bring pop-punk attributes to he slow-pace of the punchy track which the band say is an expresson of inner feelings. “Generally as a band we try to keep spitefulness and vehemence out of our songwriting, but sometimes it seeps through and ‘So Dry’ is a result of that leak.”

The slower tempo of ‘Turnstile’ sees Jarvis take over lead vocals, allowing for a more constrained approach - until its rousing chorus - before closing track 'Kill The Chord' comes in with a rock'n'roll jam vibe to wrap it all up.

Rowdy, riotous and rocky, with a touch of angst, plenty of spirit and no punches pulled societal observations,
Gaffa Tape Sandy manage to keep it all afloat with a perfect little collection to tickle the ear-buds.