Due to the lockdown, Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their unreleased single ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’. A little more clamorous than the ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ EP version the band take one of their most exhilarating and catchy tracks and add a refreshing new gritty edge to it. The moody verses are pushed into a jogging pace by the kinetic bass rumble and stomping kick drum while the rasp filled vocals smother the track in a sultry angsty sulk. It’s a vibrant indie track with blistering strides on guitar oozing sunny day humidity while the band’s frenetic wall of sound asphyxiates the chorus with scorching intensity.This band have a knack with creating rich textures and the perfect blend of cool, calm brooding moments between their whirlwind explosive soundscapes to produce a truly invigorating and first rate sound that is just as raw and intense as it is majestic. Love this track.
Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band has gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is Chinese Newspaper’s most defined and exhilarating body of work to date. There are a plethora of shredding refined guitar moments and intense rhythms throughout the EP. The band ferment and harness their wild raucous musicianship to create something that is well-crafted and polished but with a deep rooted sense of anarchy. ‘Are You Bored?’ sets the riot in motion with a sublime rumble on drums creating a fluctuant almost wriggling foundation while the bass swivels between the intoxicating finesse on guitar. It’s a hyper energetic track stamped with all the loud aggression we have come to know Chinese Newspaper for. This band is flourishing. They immerse their sound in rich layers and textures. There is a dash of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in ‘Cola’ as the band smother the track in a bloodthirsty wall of sound. It’s ready for the energy of a live show as the chorus explodes into a massive assault and mosh ready blitz. The moody vocals from Killian Barrett express angst with vigor while his rasp and attitude create that teenage rebellion atmosphere through the stormy instrumental backdrop. There is no denying the rhythm and pounding drums in this track – they are sublime. Nathan Merriman could summon a demon with that ominous drum rumble and Aran McGilick ties the track together with the vibrant, infectious groove of his bass while the guitar lightly ricochets off this backdrop majestically creating an invigorating and danceable listening experience. The band chill the intensity and sweltering heat of the EP with ‘Nothing Comes From Nothing’. A light melodic ditty which swoons over a melancholic sulky melody while a hazy atmosphere ( created by shaky percussion and steady beat ) provides that lazy summer’s day gloom. The light indie-drizzled guitars jangle innocently throughout until the track becomes more expressive and jagged for the crescendo. The nostalgic ‘Sunday’ brings the EP to a close. With thumping drums and a mosh-ready break, its an emotional tantrum backed by fantastic instrumentation which intensifies for the chorus and broods through the verses. These guys have mastered the ability to create emotive music and make the listener feel connected and enthralled by their tunes while also bashing out rich fuzz-filled pop with grunge and rock elements sprinkled on top.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is a clear step in the right direction for Chinese Newspaper. They haven’t lost the raw rampage of their 2017 ‘Spotless Mind’ EP. They have refined and cultivated it to create a fine, engaging and deft sound all of their own. With first rate guitar work and ground rumbling rhythm these guys have a sound that is both dreamy and razor sharp.
Fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released a video for their new single ‘Sunday’ taken off their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band comprised of Nathan Merriman on drums, Killian Barrett on vocals/guitar & Aran McGilick on bass, have gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.
From that thumping drum intro and sweet guitar lilt ‘Sunday’ announces itself with fuzzy refinement and maturity that only Chinese Newspaper can pull off so well. The band have taken their sound to a new majestic level. They take the pop smelted melody drowned in nostalgia and dreamy tones and lay it upon a blitzing backdrop of crashing drums, hell summoning bass grooves and superb guitar work to create a deeply moving, utterly mesmerising track that is both polished and messy all at once. This ability to take a bitter sweet ditty and drag it through the mill of fuzz and grunge- hued indie to create a piece that is equal parts heavy, raucous and gracefully dignified is what makes this band so exciting. The stomping drums batter and pummel through the track with relentless stamina while the passionate vocals veer between nonchalant coos to anguish stricken exclaims. With an utterly blistering guitar solo shrilling with scorching intensity and steamy swagger Chinese Newspaper have created another precise well-executed gem to entice and tantalize our ears.
The band are celebrating the launch of ‘Sunday’ tonight October 5th in Whelans if you are around check them out. You won’t be disappointed.
Watch the video for ‘Sunday’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
