EP REVIEW: Dead Pony - War Boys
Dead Pony are a fierce punk/post punk trio from Glasgow. To date they have released a collection of singles dating back to their 2019 debut ‘Sex Rich.’
The band proceeded the release of their debut EP “War Boys” with four singles lifted from the record. The EP was recorded in their native Glasgow and was written, recorded, produced and mixed by the band to give it a truly authentic feel.
I think the only way I can start this review is by saying WOW! It’s incredible! Some of the best new music I’ve heard this year, maybe even ever. I’m absolutely blown away, teetering on the edge of obsession! I’d never listened to Dead Pony before so had no idea what to expect. What came out of my speakers was like nectar to the ears. From the first verse I was dumbfounded and completely hooked! I love a bold female lead and singer Anna has girl power by the lorry load.
“War Boys” has it all: beefy riffs, killer hooks, and catchy, infectious kitschy vocals. It’s angst driven with attitude at every turn. There’s a sizable portion of self depreciation in the lyrics with anti-love notions teamed with the mantra of not giving a shit! It’s a bit pretentious with plenty of ferocious raw!
Dead Pony are like a grown up version of Kenickie, cute and glittery with one hell of a bite!
Kicking off with my favourite track on the EP ‘Bullet Farm’ it's a barrage of sparking, sugary sweet lyrics delivering the first anti love ideas “I’ve got no time for love” and “if you get too close to me, I’m sure to break your heart”. There's an electrifying riff, rawkus drums and upbeat guitars. It's so catchy and addictive I clocked up 4 back to back listens, it's too good to only hear once! I particularly like the lyric “you call me crazy but I really know that I’m nice” certainly raised a smile. I can’t get enough of this track musically and lyrically. I hope I get a chance to see them play it live because it is sure to open up one epic circle pit!
Industrial metal sounding ‘Zero’ is a slightly more experimental track on the record mixing their post punk sound with a more electronic segment. Its lyrics are laced with angst citing they need peace but will never be at peace. The anti love theme continues with the cleverly written “Loving me is like pulling teeth. You floss, I pluck out the energy.” “Zero” is massive, anthemic, creative, passionate and chaotic.
“I Don’t Need a Lot” has bouncing drums, upbeat nonchalant vocals reminiscent of indie bands such as Kaiser Chiefs before bursting into a chanty, anthemic, frantic chorus.
The more low- key “All Dressed Up For Nothing” starts by bringing the pace down nicely. With plodding drums, jangly guitars with gorgeous, dreamy vocals before erupting into the raw, rawkus chorus. There's some immense screaming guitar solos too.
Title track ‘War Boys’ offers another riff, attitude diven, perfectly articulate vocals and an addictive hook. The feeling of self depreciation rings through in the lyrics as they confess they “forgot how to have fun.”
Bringing the EP to a close is lead single “23, Never Me” which came out way back in 2020. The track beams with even more attitude and swagger. The feel of the song encapsulated in the lyric “I don't need to fucking hear it, I'm dying, you're losing, Your face could use a bruising. What's falling out your mouth is nothing more than just amusing.” It's raw, exhilarating, mayhem with a hint of a dream pop pre-chorus.
I’m on a complete high after hearing “War Boys” is flawless; it has everything I want from a record. I cannot find the words to recommend it highly enough. Your music collection will be a better place for having this EP in it! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Dead Pony nor can I wait for them to announce a show near me!
