For a band that has been together ten years, a debut album seems a little overdue. Just reading a few tales of Still Bust’s illustrious career tells me these guys have something about them that sets them apart, all this by stories that have nothing to do with the music. I’ve never really listened to much of this genre before, but I can see why it gets the attention it does, and Still Bust contain the angst ridden energy I’d expect from any band of this genre.
Looking at the song titles shows that there’s either been a lot of thought gone into naming these songs, or not much at all. Some of the most ambitious titles I’ve seen for a band, especially for a hardcore punk band with some songs not even breaking the minute mark. ‘If You Don’t Like Video Games (You Probably Have Other Interests)’ suggests that while it took ten years for this album to come about, Still Bust obviously have the talent necessary. If you’re a fan of these guys, I doubt this is a disappointing release, no Chinese Democracy I’m assuming. All the adrenaline I’d expect for a debut that seems long overdue. The riffs hold substance and are what stand out to me most, especially in the interestingly titled ‘Tastes Like Asbestos (From Little Richard Came)’.
‘Ball (Sac Magique)’ has to be one of the best titles I’ve ever seen. At 45 seconds long, you can hear all the angst that you hear in the music in a 10 second quiet intro. ‘How Much We Sound Like Rise Against (And Other Things We Shouldn’t Say To Each Other)’ shows the band obviously have a good sense of humour. “Tell us that we suck” has to be one of the best lines I’ve heard in a song by a hardcore band, considering what I’ve heard. It seems bands similar do seem to take themselves quite seriously, but Still Bust show they can sound just as good with a sense of humour, while still conveying their message.
The album seems to have gotten to the point where I haven’t noticed how quick I’ve gone through it, showing that for someone that isn’t much of a fan of this type of music you can enjoy it. ‘Physicist At A Funeral (Godless Thoughts On Death)’ stands out most on this album, slightly different to the other tracks, showing a little more insight to the integrity of the band. While previous tracks have displayed an obvious prowess in a genre they’ve had the chance to learn over a ten year career, Still Bust have a song here that will gain them a new audience. While slightly depressing, the lyrics and guitars compliment each other perfectly.
What I love about Still Bust is that I’ve never heard them, but their riffs are just as entertaining as the rest of the music, never letting me lose interest. ‘This Box Is For Standing On (But Look How Big It Is!) has to be one of the best riffs I’ve ever heard.
‘First World (Band) Problems’ is another song like ‘Physicist At A Funeral’ that stands out above the others that are already great tracks. More melodic than the others, showing that there is so much more to the band than you could think by just having a casual listen.
You hear a lot of quotes sampled as intros for songs, but the hilariously titled ‘Squid And Human Are Close To Each Other (Herring Is The Outgroup)’ has to be the most random quote I’ve ever heard. At just two minutes long this has to be another favourite of mine. They just keep coming. The quote at the end is just as random as the intro quote, but made me laugh so hard. Genius.
Considering I’ve never heard this band before I’m impressed to say that I love them, they contain everything that’s needed to draw in someone who isn’t even a fan of this type of music. The titles are the most imaginative I’ve ever seen, and the music just slots together perfectly. It may have taken ten years to come to fruition, but if it sounds this good, maybe it was meant to. Not one moment was spent being bored listening to this.
5/5
‘A Few Things We Might Agree On (A Few Things We Might Not)’ by Still Bust is released on 20th May on Lockjaw Records.
Still Bust links: Facebook
Words by Callum McPhee
