After the release of three preceding singles alternative rock band Turfboy have released their debut album ‘At Tension’. The album was released through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester and was recorded with Michael Richards in Trackmix Studio Dublin late last year. Coming from different parts of Ireland; Longford/Roscommon/Mayo-Galway/Wicklow, to be exact; the band is based in Dublin City, and is most often found playing shows there.
‘At Tension’ is a blazing roar of alternative rock. The album’s moody grunge elements and crashing backdrop boasts a heavy sound that is not for the faint hearted. Turfboy have created a rock-filled album so explosive and powerful it will melt your brain leaving you on the floor twitching and frothing from the mouth.The acute lacerating guitar riffs gash through tracks like ‘Rageahol’ and ‘In Absentia’ with bloodthirsty stamina while being accompanied by an occasional desert-rock squeal and wail. The band use a battering onslaught on drums to pound their tracks forward while shredding guitar solos and scorching licks display the more majestic and refined side to the band’s savage sound.
However it’s not all fury and anarchy, ‘Holly Daye’ reverbs with an infectious punk pop melody over a slick riff while ‘(L)earn’ showcases a grunge Nirvana – esque side to the band. The gem of the album ‘(L)earn’ pivots around a sulky guitar refrain and moody catchy vocal refrain that will revolve in your head for days. The beauty of the angst in this track blended with sulken nonchalance and despair is masterful as the band build a powerful backdrop to encompass the dark emotion and rawness within the track.‘Idiocracy Is Reality’ is another smasher on the album. Doused in gritty jaunty guitar riffs and eerie bass lines this ominous mammoth displays Turfboy’s ability to build and cultivate a track. The soundscapes occasionally jolt into something more sinister and dark as the band allow each verse to raise the tension for the dramatic and crashing chorus release.
Vocally the band venture from all out fury-filled growls and howls to raspy passionate punk/pop bellows allowing the tracks to have their own identity on the album. We see this especially in ‘AttenDANCE’ where the vocals begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream as the song progresses. ‘Not Like You’ is probably as pop punk the band get on the album with a catchy melodic hook and lighter persona while ‘Millie The Jeff and Subh The Snail’ returns the album to a 90’s alternative rock tone for the finale.
‘At Tension’ is a ballsy gritty album brimming with vigor and massive soundscapes. It is a thrill to listen to. The bands ability to blend anarchy-filled tunes with brooding tones, moody textures and a mosh-worthy sound is glorious and displays strong growth in Turfboy.
Stream ‘At Tension’ below
Author ; Danu
