Slyrydes – ‘I Claim to be Intelligent’

I claim Slyrydes to be the best new band.

‘I Claim to be Intelligent’ is the first single of 2020 from Ireland’s Slyrydes. It follows the release of four critically acclaimed singles from 2019, and Slyrydes are still proving to be one of the best new up and coming bands.

Like their earlier releases, ‘I Claim to be Intelligent’ tackles mental health issues. The point is delivered with a devastating blow when listened to alongside the video. It depicts a lone boxer, throwing punches towards the camera, and is then covered in his own blood, bleeding from the top of his head. It clearly has a link to the inner turmoil of the mind.

Musically, ‘I Claim to be Intelligent’ is brilliant. It begins rather subdued and melodic, then goes into a second section that is similar Heavy Lungs beefier songs. If you had to compare it to anything released before, ‘I Claim to be Intelligent’ is similar to The Murder Capital’s ‘More Is Less’. But even that’s a stretch. Slyrydes are unique in their approach to contemporary punk/post-punk.

Slyrydes are currently working on their debut album, and it will be one of the best albums of the year.

Words by Matthew Brocklehurst

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