Chemical Friends. A title that should bring back memories of Puppet Rebellion's fine and forceful, musically riveting debut in 2013: it was back then that the band of five sent out their gloom-laden yet anthemic signature tunes to an eager audience – and, as it turned out, with aplomb; the confident and rousing sound of the tracks featured struck a chord with their listeners, still does today. Followed by two EPs ('No Means Yes' and 'Life Is In Your Hands', both dark and audacious, fervent and full of verve), the Manchester-based quintet finally dared the big leap by releasing a full-length record, going by the same name as their remarkable recording kick-off four years ago.
With 12 songs listed on the album – all sung by 'new-ish' frontman Oliver Davies – there is much to explore on 'Chemical Friends' and equally much to get excited about: while the emotionally charged 'Cupboards Painted Red' feels like an intense and suspensefully explosive flashback (longtime fans of the band will have some sort of nostalgic feels here for sure, too), opening track 'The Pact' shows off with dynamically glowing and vigorous tonal vibes; and as different as they are, each of them portrays the band's reasoned way of creating novel sonic art: Puppet Rebellion embrace what has been and go into new ventures musically, at the same time. This is why you're going to find heart-rending melancholia (when indulging in the melodiously languorous tonal dimensions of 'Dark Thoughts') next to upbeat euphoria and untamed energy (either when the rapidly drum-driven and defying 'Operator' commands sparkling and swirling melodies to light up or when the harmoniously soaring and alluringly shiny soundscapes of 'Impact' have their sweeping and swinging effect on you). You're gonna further encounter the adamant and powerful 'Now You Try', trippy and thrilling in style, and the relentless 'Red Light', which stands out as the album's most mature song for it combines rhythmically staggering and energetically erupting instrumental euphony with Davies' finest vocal delivery on 'Chemical Friends'. You will, of course, come upon swagger and ardent spirit aplenty, just listen to the groove-infused and gripping 'Slave' or to instant charmer 'Please Me' which relies on smooth vocal nonchalance and electrifying rhythms – rightly so. And there will be those songs you can't wait to sing back at the band at live shows, ranging from infectious and punchy sample 'Test Pilot' to appealing anthem material such as 'Hey Now' (spoiler alert: the gritty guitar work and overall daringly dashing sound makes this one a designated candidate for 'repeat sessions') or as edgy catchy tune 'Save You'.
carpe carmina told you there's a lot to discover so don't be shy and delve right into it. But be warned, you might sink in deeply and have Puppet Rebellion's first album blaring out your speakers/headphones non-stop.
Get your physical copy of 'Chemical Friends' here (as well some great band merch and previous releases).
Make sure to check on the colourfully fluorescent music video for 'Slave' here, on the hauntingly hard-hitting music video for 'Please Me' here and on the narratively absorbing music video for 'The Pact' here.
