Glasgow four-piece ochre are an exciting prospect. With a few EPs already under their belts, a slot at Core Festival in 2024, and a feature on BBC Introducing, it feels like they’re just on the cusp of breaking through and making a real impact. Latest EP PEN has all the potential to give them that final push and make anyone who doesn’t already know about them take note.
While predominantly a post-hardcore band, PEN sees ochre casting their musical net a wee bit further out, and in doing so, the songs here have punk, a sprinkling of straight-up metal, and some emo in the mix. Across the four tracks, it makes for a brilliant listen.
Described by the band as a collection of songs based on the experience of loss, grief, and regret, the songwriting, lyrics, and vocal delivery are where this EP shines. Where other singers might adopt an accent for singing or try and mask their natural tone, there’s none of that nonsense here, and it adds so much to the songs. Some lyrics just sound better when they’re sung, or howled at you, in Scottish (not that this Glaswegian writer is in any way biased!). The lyrics are smart, they’re brutal, they’re poetic; they cut through you and get right to the point while none of it ever feels cliché or too much. They’re also really catchy; I’ve been singing “I think about you when I’m not even thinking” over and over in my head for about a week now.
“Happier Still” wouldn’t sound out of place on one of the albums Converge put out this year; it has the same raw, heavy, and hardcore feel to it. “Slipping Through So Many Fingers at Such an Alarming Rate” and “Transactional Truth” are the lyrical centrepieces, and “Trouble In The Eye of The Beholder” is a visceral way to round out proceedings. Don’t let this one pass you by; it’s music made with heart and deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. If you’re a fan of music with a bit of edge to it, this is for you, but even if you’re not, just give it a listen because it’s brilliant and you’ll want to get onboard before ochre get big.
We recently caught three other great young bands showing that the alternative scene in the UK is alive and well.
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PEN is out today , June 3rd
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