By Daffs (TwoDaff)
Formed just after the pandemic, using the legendary Exeter venue The Cavern as a home base, The issues exploded onto the South West underground scene, bringing with them raucous tunes, blistering live performances and an unmatched stage presence.
The Issues(Joe Jenkins, Tom Ryan-McGragh, Mike Slack and Olly Fawcett) have, for the last couple of years been channelling their sound taking influence from bands like The Libertines, Clash and The Cure with a bit of Sports Team thrown into the mix. Producing high energy indie/punk rock n roll, tongue in cheek yet catchy lyrics, with songs about sexy English teachers and scandalous siblings, taking a lighter view of life. Previous releases include ‘My Sister was a Punk’ , ‘Katie’, and ‘My Ex Stacey’.
Their latest release ‘Morning Cigarette’ was released on 11th June ahead of their EP release due later this year. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Cabin Studios in Devon, right off the back of their first ever UK tour (All organised by themselves DIY style). According to the band “It perfectly encapsulates us as a band” Having played the song live for a while they are glad to be letting the world in on their sound.
The first thing that strikes me is that this band epitomise fun, lyrically its light hearted, its about having fun and forgetting all the mundane stuff, enjoying whatever it is that makes life just a bit easier to bear, in this case that 1st cigarette of the day even if it is for just a few minutes.
“This band epitomise fun”
Immediately, the intro hits you, packed full of energy. Driven guitars and banging drums set you off, hints of the clash, before the intro line “Hit Snooze and repeat” delivered brilliantly, there’s a raw edge to the vocal which is complimented by an underlying lead guitar melody that lifts it away from the harshness that punk is and bringing it in line with that noughties indie vibe.
“Packed full of energy”
It has a swashbuckling swagger to it, incessant guitar riffs, catchy lead melodies and humour with lines like “Morning cigarette, doesn’t help your breath, but it will help you get your head back where it should be Yeah” It has the aggression of Strummer, delivered with chaotic, infectious humour, it recklessly speeds along at a great pace and frenetic energy, barely giving you chance to inhale, a real feel-good song, it gives you that nicotine rush, just like that first morning cigarette.
“A swashbuckling swagger”
This is another band, I am ashamed to say, that I have only just discovered and one I will certainly be keeping my eyes on, I imagine that their gigs would be glorious mayhem, complete with a soundtrack to match. The Issues have a number of gigs coming up in the South West through September and October with the hope of a Northern tour in November. Don’t miss them.
For more info see below
https://linktr.ee/theissuesband
