Album Review: Gender Roles - 'PRANG'
Birthed from the realisation that losses are an inevitability that we go through; Gender Roles’ debut album ‘Prang’ evolved into an exploration of the ways in which to deal with the paranoia and negativity of life.
There’s a distinct and infectious tone of optimism that runs throughout the beginning of ‘Prang’ which feels like an offshoot from Gender Roles having had time to contemplate the success that came from their first two EP’s. As the album develops, the songs get darker and more urgent – ‘Ickie’ being a particular highlight with its verses that are full of muddy bass and groggy vocals, and the melodically paranoia-inducing ‘Your War’. ‘Schools Out’ is filled with a rich consonance that comes with syncopated drums and a steady staccato of keys. ‘Bubble’ feels cut from the same cloth, though there is more experimentation with dizzying guitar work and the age-old thrashing punk chorus.
Gender Roles are infectious and noisy. “Even though sharks never bothered me I still have fear of the sea knowing you swim so deep beneath me” is a rolling lyric that comes with the distinct intonation in the pre-chorus of ‘If That’s How You Want It To Be’ before vocalist Tom Bennett lets loose and screams all over the closing moments. Taking two years to release their debut has been a considered choice for Gender Roles. They have polished their sound in a subtle extension on what was already pretty damn perfect, and it feels as though they’re only just scratching the surface as to what their future holds.
Words by Tyler Damara Kelly
Gender Roles will tour the UK in October.
02/10 - Norwich, Open
03/10 – London, Boston Music Room
04/10 – Southampton, Heartbreakers
05/10 – Bristol, Rough Trade
06/10 – Nottingham, Rough Trade
07/10 – Glasgow, Attic
08/10 – Sheffield, Record Junkee
09/10 – Liverpool, Kazimier
10/10 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
11/10 – Portsmouth, The Wave Maiden
14/10 - Guildford, Boileroom
Purchase tickets here: http://genderrolesuk.com