Excelling in realms of rock, post-punk, and evolving textural awe, Bad Gag is the second EP from Hartlepool, England-based outfit Lurcher. Recorded at Blank Studios with Chris McManus, the record refines their sharp DIY rock identity, introducing abstract textures and deliberate arrangements alongside deadpan lyricism that explores everyday absurdity.
A rousing EP opener, “Punchline Blues” unveils an instant intensity in its blaring guitar resonance and shout-y vocal ferocity. A delectably dark turn takes hold around the 30-second mark, the vocals shifting to a chilly, melodic subduedness as crawling bass intrigue and nocturnal guitar pulses intertwine. The track’s eclectic tonal display and hectic yet cohesive musicianship remind fondly of black midi. The ensuing “Wretched Egg” envelops with an initial post-punk bass strut, swelling into twanging guitar ascent and title-bearing vocal ardor. The EP’s opening one-two punch shows a lovable capacity for both suavely climactic entrancement and impassioned rock emotion.
Another standout, “Ortenburg” puts on an absolute clinic in its atmospheric rock build-up, resembling a brooding mixture of post-punk, Kraut-rock, and alternative. Booming late-night bass and glistening guitar lines meld hypnotically, as solemn vocals describe a “fresh coat of paint feeling” and other visceral descriptors, growing into an aggressive vocal punchiness and rhythmic bustling before falling back into the nocturnal, bass-y mystique. The track’s tonal rises and falls, between scorching ardor and whispered mystery, makes for an utterly riveting listening experience. Bad Gag is a fantastic rock success from Lurcher.
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“Ortenburg” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
