Album Review: Coach Party - 'Killjoy'
What band has had the pleasure of being the opening act for the likes of bright newcomers Wet Leg and established rockers Queens of the Stone Age? Claimed a hottest record spot on BBC Radio 1? Made waves with their own unique twist on alt rock? Found fame at Chess Club Records? None other than Isle-Of-Wight’s Coach Party.
The quartet, comprised of Jess Eastwood (vocals/ bass), Steph Norris (guitar), Joe Perry (guitar) and Guy Page (drums), are no strangers to releasing rage-filled cuts edging on punk-rock territory with a delightful smidgin of glittery indie rock – and their latest full-length project is no different.
“Killjoy”, as the name not-so-subtly pertains to, is a ten-track exploration of life’s darker moments, societies pitfalls and reflections on nihilism – all projected and succinctly portrayed through rip-roaring numbers juxtaposed by softer, more forlorn numbers. The album's darker roots are found in the rip-roaring crevices of “Parasite” and the barely softer vocals of “All I Wanna Do Is Hate”, with the mood only lightening for the poppier, more upbeat soundscapes of “July”.
Whilst seemingly steeped in negativity and pessimism, which at the surface level can’t be denied, the album title teeters on misleading. Instead of the surrendering nature that is usually encapsulated by the ideals of “I give up”, Coach Party gives up by giving in. Instead of capitulating to the dragging-under of society, “All I Wanna Do Is Hate” turns anger into a healthy outlet, a cathartic scream, and in “What’s The Point In Life”, the band aren’t giving up, they’re calling for you to do what you want – just go and have some fun.
At face value, “Killjoy” may seem like Coach Party are just aimlessly pointing the finger at society, and finding negativity in everything they can – but this is not the case. The record also explores meaningful topics. The introspective “Be That Girl” delves into mental health issues – particularly surrounding maintaining a sense of self. “Be That Girl” is steeped in self-reflection and sees the band return to their poppier-roots. Refreshing and soothing, the track offers time for a moment of quiet deliberation amongst the chaos of some of the tracks that precede it (take “Parasite” or “Born Leader”, for example).
Sitting in a similar vein, narrative-wise, “Always Been You” talks on delusion and fantastical notions that are carried by soothing, swooning vocals, delicate guitars (by Coach Party standards by all means), that find themselves tinged with punky inflections and shine in electronic moments. Doting on love, “Always Been You” succinctly brings Coach Party’s latest foray into music to a close, and it does so in the tidiest of fashions.
Ambitious, delightfully reckless, and outrageously fun, “Killjoy” is a complete success.
Words by Lana Williams
