On “Trauma Removal Machine,” Def Nettle turn music into a form of catharsis, marrying Irish punk-funk sensibilities with a rhythmic pulse informed by New York post-punk and Madchester. Glen Brady’s compelling baritone and Lisa Doyle’s rap-inflected delivery trade places throughout, in between dual-vocal prowess, reflecting the Dublin outfit’s knack for bringing various vocal personalities into a cohesive sound.
The production kicks into gear with a dynamic pull, initially presenting with buzzy synth pad momentum before driving into a funky bass infectiousness and shimmers of debonair guitar. Enthused, concise vocal shouts pair with a stylish synth line before the lead vocals emerge, exuding a dual-presence charm as the funky bass drive and twangy guitars drive alongside. “Behind the keyboard man you feel so elusive, but when it’s over there won’t be no excuses,” Brady and Doyle let out, capturing the intoxicating escapism of art.
“You know the feeling, it’s a trauma removal machine,” the vocals continue into the enveloping chorus, with roaring guitars embracing a rock-minded soundscape amidst the steady rhythmic backing. Brady’s deep baritone is an upfront presence during the duets, while Doyle’s briskly melodic vocals take center stage thereafter within a conscious-rap sort of styling. “You’re fighting wars that began in your head,” the dual-vocal entrancement subsequently returns. The final minute then absorbs in a fantastic interplay of heavier guitars, expressive synths, and an impassioned vocal drive that “she can do better, we can do better.” “Trauma Removal Machine” is a stylishly melodic tour-de-force from Def Nettle.
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This 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.
