A hearty melting pot of surf, garage, punk, and psychedelic
sounds is stirred up vigorously by The Scrubs on their E.P. Circus of Horrors.
Many infectious elements are used to distinguish their
character: powerful, growling bass, raspy, drawling vocals, and guitar licks
that hark back to the goth tinged rock and roll of The Cramps. The drums rain
down with a raw, layered delivery, with cymbals that blend into the echo of the
reverb.
Some of the best parts of the songs are captured in a
scrappy crashing together of noise, creating sounds not unlike power tools let
loose in a workshop.
The melody to opening track Wormwood has an unmistakable
touch of Misirlou by Dick Dale, paired up with lyrics that speak of a
tortured relationship. The pitch rises towards the end of the song, as if
played on a ghost train that emerges into a light at the end of a tunnel,
before racing on to the next set of thrills.
Hacksaw has a bouncy rhythm, and maintains the morbid
lyrical imagery. The vibrato and fuzzy distortion are sculpted into a frenzied
whirlpool of sound.
Death at the Ballet is a more atmospheric number,
utilising a waltz-like rhythm and a loud-quiet dynamic. The bass in particular
gives a chamber-like depth in the twists and turns.
Burial Ground, dives confidently back into a no frills
rock and roll pace. Enjoyably sour edged melodies and a sense of gloom make
this ideal for a disillusioned, angst ridden day.
Fans of bands as diverse as The Fall, Kings of Leon, Cage
the Elephant, The Libertines and Queens of the Stone Age should give Circus of
Horrors a listen. The musical flavours the band draw from are noticeable, yet
they have a unique sound that will captivate anyone into underground rock.
Recommended.
Review by Lawrence Peattie
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