Recently released EP Kill The Algorithm channels Shaven Primates‘ thematic exploration of “Anxiety and Control” into a darker, harder-edged progression of punk, art-rock, and post-punk. The Oxford four-piece pushes further into hard rock on this EP, pairing cathartic intensity with confrontational themes surrounding nationalism, manipulation, social media, and the forces shaping vulnerable minds.
A resonating EP opener, “Saviour” ventures from an initial guitar-laden spacey intrigue into an erupting blast of distortion-friendly rock vigor. “Absence, absent as it trickles down the vein,” a stirring lead delivery emerges, escalating into a fierce “fix from your affection” bridge leading to the chorus. “Saviour, the reason that I listen to my lies,” impassioned singing envelops there, stirringly reminiscent of a cross between Placebo and A Perfect Circle in its dynamic balance between moodier introspections and ardent alt-rock power.
Ensuing track “Pioneer Way” is more immediate in its fervency, channeling a throwback punk spirit in both its intensifying delivery and thematic aims; ruminations on sudden, over-rampant nationalism and “immigrant hate boats” draw from the Sex Pistols, while the overall ferocity reminds enjoyably of early Manic Street Preachers. Next up, “Feed” cites inspirations like Rage Against The Machine and Metallica, impressing especially in the “your squalid words” hook, where rumbling bass and intense rhythms pair with an anthemic multi-layered harmonic spirit. The ensuing verses (“took the bait you demonstrate”) speak to predatory figures monetizing off the angst of young men, driving them to hate.
Meanwhile, the title track plays as an excellent finale, ruminating on the harm of social media algorithms on young minds within a more art-rock aesthetic reminiscent of Radiohead, David Bowie, and Joy Division; its “execute before they take us all” chorus is especially resonant. Kill The Algorithm is a stirring, thematically poignant EP success from Shaven Primates.
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“Kill The Algorithm” 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.
