It’s been a couple of years since We Are Carnivores last outing, 2014’s Tex Mexiconomy EP, and we are now left questioning of this follow up will be up to the standards of their previous effort. Having been praised by almost every radio station and magazine up and down the country (check out their facebook cover photo for proof), the Nottingham boys have returned with this EP so was it worth the two year wait?
You’re damn right it was. Opening with the title track you are immediately shown what the band is all about. It is not easy listening, it won’t make mainstream radio and all in all it’s not very nice but to the right ears, this music is brilliant. This track is a somewhat math rock take on what Marmozets have been previously doing with a punk edge noticeable all the way throughout the songs dodgy timings and more technical edge.
Second track, Scottish Power, has a more heavy take on their sound but definitely shows off their punk side also. Not only is this probably the most raw punk sounding song on the record but the lyrics and reasoning behind the song also represent the protest genre incredibly well with spoken word segments and lyrics such as “fundamental human rights, they’re drifting way out of sight’ showing that the bands lyrics are as powerful and the music is technical. A real high point of the EP.
The following track, You Can’t Argue With Sharks, on the other hand, is focused much more on the vocal side of things with much quieter verses and a much easier to listen to chorus before the EP closer, I’m Not An Alcoholic…I Just Collect Bottles comes roaring out the speakers. With this track being much more reminiscent of Dillinger Escape Plan, the technical assault is absolutely relentless and shows of the talent of the band on an incredibly large scale. With the solo at the end, the fucked up time signatures and somehow there’s even a catchy chorus thrown into the mix, this is a brilliant way to end what is a great EP.
Overall, this EP shows yet again that the music scene in Britain is as good as it has ever been. We Are Carnivores are taking on a genre here that is difficult to make an impact in but by adding their own flavour to the mix are making themselves heard. As I said previously, this is not pretty or embracing in any way, shape or form. However, once they get themselves a fan base, they will be difficult to stop.
9/10 – Brilliantly crafted math rock songs
highlight – Scottish Power