The debut studio album from this South London band is a passionately fierce affair that attacks with slabs of powerful, degenerate chaos (think Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth, Birthday Party) and darkly soaring melodies (think Megaphonic Thrift, Manic Street Preachers, British Sea Power), plus bits of the slightly crazed and vigorously strange (think Fat White Family, The Fall, The Moonlandingz). The songs are raw and sincere with a raucous intensity and an authentically fervent spirit. On first listen, it can be abrasive, in-your-face. On second listen, the strength of the songs and delivery starts to sink in, take over. On the third listen, you begin to understand, to feel why “Songs Of Praise” has such a powerful effect. I expect the fourth listen to reveal dark secrets that will change the world.
