Ambient-Punk (I say Grunge) newcomers Simmer are to release their second EP ‘Yellow Streak’ on 30th March. It is their first release with independent label Dog Knights Productions who have worked with bands like Turnover and Nai Harvest so the minute I heard this news, I knew Simmer would be well catered for.
‘Yellow Streak’ is real statement of intent by Douse as its four tracks that simply are flawless. The whole release has strong grunge vibes etched in with the more punk side of Douse making the odd appearance here and there. In many ways it’s like a compilation of their influences which seem to be heavily tied to of a lot of Run for Cover bands such as Pity Sex, Basement and Superheaven as they fuse all sorts of sounds from the aforementioned bands and take grunge, shoegaze and emo to mix up their own style which form transformer-like sound to make an almighty Optimus Prime of an EP.
“Laying Odds” is a real standout track on the EP as it’s a melancholic driven track that showcases the fantastic guitar work from Julius Schiazza and Karl Stockall as one plays a more Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie-era lead where the other noodles a punk-infused Title Fight Floral Green-era backing track. The combination of the drums and bass from Gary Twigg and Jake Plumb infused with Schiazza’s vocals makes for a slice of Grunge heaven.
“Yellow Streak” is the title track of the EP and it is a slow burning track that serves as the perfect closer to a quite remarkable EP. The song feels takes you back to being 15 again as the summer holidays have just ended and school is right around the corner, like this EP, you don’t want it to end. It’s a sombre track and possibly the most uninspiring track on the EP but it’s still a belter of a finisher to what has been one of the best EP’s I have listened to in a long, long time.
I am delighted with Simmer, firstly because they have just made this one of the easiest reviews to write as the EP is nothing short of fantastic but, secondly I’d like to thank them for flying the ‘grunge’ flag for the UK as it’s a genre that is very much alive and this release could just be the spark so that bands like Simmer among other upcoming UK grunge artists get the recognition they deserve.
Pre-Order the EP here: http://dogknightsproductions.bigcartel.com/product/dk071-simmer-yellow-streak-7-ep-yellow-150-green-150