Static Dress - 'human props'
New age post-hardcore titans Static Dress return with searing single ‘human props’.
Static Dress have returned with a plethora of exciting news to share with the world. Among the announcement of a new single and a tour with Paleface Swiss on the horizon comes glaring news of yet another step in the right direction. As of late, Static Dress have signed with Sumerian Records, known for hosting the likes of Bad Omens, Poppy and The Smashing Pumpkins, to release their trembling and raw new single ‘human props’.
This amalgamation of false chords and brilliantly placed harmonics isn’t a return to form for the band but a timestamp of evident progression. Their revitalisation of the post-hardcore scene has proved that this genre will not die and that we, as an audience, are better off for it. Static Dress have carved their path and are really beginning to get the props that they deserve and this single really proves this. The track starts off as a car crash of sound, mixing in beautiful chaos with pent-up vocal aggression to drive it forward. Vincent Weight’s guitar compositions in this track help formulate this collision of noise into something spectacular, utilising a full range of skill the melody section breathes life into this visceral track, revitalising the days gone by of post-hardcore bands like Asking Alexandria and really fleshing out a distinct and impactful sound. Sam Ogden and George Holding also sync up like clockwork in this track on drums and bass, respectively, adding layer upon layer of jaw-clenching pressure to the punchy and atmospheric guitar parts. Their ability to work so fluidly and consistently while still delivering an evidently passionate and unconfined fury complements the pacing of the track perfectly, this is all then tied in a neat little bow with a decisive and from-the-heart vocal performance from the band’s engine Ollie Appleyard. Static Dress’s almost primal instinct to write such dense, reflective music is shown throughout each of their play styles, with each bouncing off of each other in perfect form, while still allowing for a lull in the blistering aggression to make room for a breathable and well-crafted chord progression to serenade the listener till the final bell.
One thing is clear. Static Dress are here to stay. This band have time and time again shown up for their audience with honest and brilliant art that speaks to both themselves and their wider audience. This ability to remain conscientious and open allows their music to exist in a pocket outside of today’s “song of the summer” culture and really reflects the artistry that lies deep within each member.
With a busy year ahead, Static Dress aim to keep the engine revving with a tantalising run of shows supporting scene heroes Paleface Swiss all across the UK and Europe, all of which are destined to be sweat-fuelled festivities that will linger on in fans’ minds long after the venue doors close. This exciting new chapter for the band is one to follow closely, as I’m sure this is the first of many fantastic releases set for their tenure at Sumerian records and if this release is anything to go by, there is going to be a lot in store for fans to sink their teeth into.
Words by Josh Pook
