The Oozes - 'STRAP!'
Queer punk foursome The Oozes grace us with their third single of 2023, STRAP!.
Described by frontman Tom Gilbert as a song that “challenges societal expectations around being queer and sexual”, STRAP! is playful from the off with its catchy opening bassline, quickly joined by Gilbert’s vocal, spitting rather than singing.
Lyrically tongue in cheek, the track embraces the idea of the use of sex toys in queer sex as a spectacle, whilst simultaneously providing a scathing commentary of this same idea, with the repetition of “Ten out of ten, would cum again” making it sound like an online review. The chorus’ meaty riff adds an extra dimension to the song; it’s heavy, and serious, almost at odds with the lyrics and the bassline which bookends the track, reminiscent of children taunting one another.
STRAP! very much falls into The Oozes’ brand of fun, shouty and offensive punk. Harbouring a distinctly formulaic approach to the songwriting, they make a point and drive it home. Direct and uncomplicated on the surface, but with nuance in the layering of the vocal, allowing each of the four musicians the spotlight within a wonderfully blended mix, both grungy and clean at the same time.
Two thirds of the way through a Kasabian-esque guitar offers a change of pace for the bridge, building to a climax; completely on the nose and utterly self-aware.
As alluded to above, one could accuse the songwriting of being lazy, even inane. However, every part of the sub-two-minute experience feels intentional (down to the length of the track itself), and it is this which allows the tack to be heard from a different perspective, intended by the writers.
And if none of that translates for you; well, it’s still a thoroughly catchy and fun whirlwind of a song.
Words by Sally Hirshman
