What a joy it is to hear music effortlessly combining genres to glorious effect. Pedestrian Band have released their debut EP BAND! out now on Middle of The Road Records. The London-based trio comprising Enzo (guitar/vocals), Ace (bass), and Milo (drums/vocals) describe their music as, intriguingly, “spy-punk”.
Opener ‘Introducing’ does exactly that, bringing instant attention to Pedestrian Band. The scuzzy guitar opening is impossible to ignore and the rock infused vocal is emotive and assertive, loaded with feeling and attitude. The abrupt finish takes the listener by surprise, but the spell has been cast and there is an eagerness to hear what follows. ‘Fever’ gives the electrifying guitar even more space to let rip. It is a raucous love song with added edge, rattling along at pace with pounding drums and cymbals throughout. The lead vocals in Pedestrian Band are extraordinary, such range and quality, dancing across the notes. ‘Fever’ takes a breather mid-track to express itself: “it burns like fire, the seeds of desire” before launching into an archaic “1, 2, 3, 4” which leads the track out to its raucous end the guitar shooting out in all directions.
‘Wildfire’ takes a more measured approach thus demonstrating the variety within Pedestrian Band’s sonic world. Yes, the point has already been made, but it is worth repeating, the range of the vocal here is simply breathtaking. More thoughtful and contemplative ‘Wildfire’ acknowledges the turbulent times we currently inhabit. It soars, expressing a helplessness, a frustration with the status quo: “but the world is turning as its burning”. The guitar becomes more feral towards the end – and the clapping seems perhaps incongruous with the theme but adds a dose of the positivity felt during moments of creativity.
On ‘The Winston Blues’ pulsating drums take centre stage at the intro. It’s a song which ebbs and flows, its sassy vocals, off kilter in parts, add such character to the track. There are gentler, more nuanced moments but the final chaotic section feels like life itself, messy and disorderly.
‘Danang’ creates a ferocious vibe, aided by a mix of shouty and spoken lyrics. The energy is exhilarating and the track is punctuated with unpredictable twists and turns. The whole feels defiant and urgent, the lyrics spat out with disdain, spilling forth. It is completely different from anything else on Band! and is utterly thrilling. The static fuelled guitars simply go wild towards the end.
The EP finishes with ‘Headshakers’, a meandering track which demonstrates Pedestrian Band’s calmer side. There is a hint of band of the moment Geese here, the story telling within the music beautifully expansive. At five minutes it is given the time to breath, to truly have room to reveal itself. There is no trace of the rock that opened Band! rather this is a slice of Americana. The pace picks up as it heads to the finish, galloping along . What an exquisite end to this debut EP.
For more information on Pedestrian Band please check their instagram.
Review: 8 out of 10