HEAVY DRAPES
Punk is a genre I only occasionally delve into... usually, to be honest, when something turns up for review that's from said genre. But, I am partial to a bit of punk now and again, although I have to admit to not being at all familiar with Heavy Drapes. Press blurb informs they "were the brightest burning meteorites in the UK punk scene; a band that soared from playing to twenty odd people in Bathgate in Scotland to the main stage of Rebellion... in little over 24 months." Impressive. However, there's a tragically sad twist to the story, as the band's singer, Garry Borland, suddenly passed away last year. Now, before disbanding forever, Heavy Drapes are releasing their debut album as a posthumously "fitting memorial" to their fallen frontman.
With Borland billed as De Liberate on this album and, I gather, within the band in general, the other Drapes guys are guitarist Riki Stiv (Richie Simpson), drummer Billy Chaos (Billy Duncanson) and bassist Jerry Dangerous (Jerry Crowe). And what they've created is an organic sounding, energetic set of tunes that embrace the simplicity of trad-punk's earthiness, coloured with a smidgeon of alt-rock sounds. And a lot of melody. This is far from the dissonance that some might associate and expect from the punk genre. Rather, these are well composed, hook-driven songs.
While Borland's vocal performance has just enough punk dissonance in his delivery, the man could certainly hold a tune. And his passion shines through. As does that of the other guys. I'm not best placed to judge this as a punk masterpiece or not, as I don't listen to enough of the stuff, but I can say in all confidence that it's an enjoyable ride for what it is.
With Borland billed as De Liberate on this album and, I gather, within the band in general, the other Drapes guys are guitarist Riki Stiv (Richie Simpson), drummer Billy Chaos (Billy Duncanson) and bassist Jerry Dangerous (Jerry Crowe). And what they've created is an organic sounding, energetic set of tunes that embrace the simplicity of trad-punk's earthiness, coloured with a smidgeon of alt-rock sounds. And a lot of melody. This is far from the dissonance that some might associate and expect from the punk genre. Rather, these are well composed, hook-driven songs.
While Borland's vocal performance has just enough punk dissonance in his delivery, the man could certainly hold a tune. And his passion shines through. As does that of the other guys. I'm not best placed to judge this as a punk masterpiece or not, as I don't listen to enough of the stuff, but I can say in all confidence that it's an enjoyable ride for what it is.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Cadiz Music
Album
CRASHING LIKE STARS
Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
30:47
RELEASE DATE:
15th February 2019
TRACK LISTING
1) Should I Suck Or Should I Blow
2) Into the Blue
3) Janie
4) Hanging Like a Suicide
5) Human Machine
6) I Wanna Be Maladjusted
7) Number One
8) Nightrippin'
9) Head Screwed On
10) Make Some Trouble
2) Into the Blue
3) Janie
4) Hanging Like a Suicide
5) Human Machine
6) I Wanna Be Maladjusted
7) Number One
8) Nightrippin'
9) Head Screwed On
10) Make Some Trouble
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...an organic sounding, energetic set of tunes that embrace the simplicity of trad-punk's earthiness, coloured with a smidgeon of alt-rock sounds."
