Something rather sensational is afoot in the UK leftfield music scene right now. A thrilling new wave
emergence has been slowly brewing in independent labels and producers for the last two years, and
now ladies and gentlemen, it just might have taken off. This is thanks to labels such as “Speedy
Wunderground”, setting fire to the exhilarating blend of deliciously unconventional post punk, art
pop experimentalism. Producer Dan Carey has championed bands such as “Squid” and “Black Midi”,
while more recently providing us with disco/punk hybrid “Lounge society” and now, “Lazarus Kane”.
Now signed to “So Young Records”, and already performing amongst the likes of Mercury
Nominated “Black Country New Road” at Brixton’s “Wide Awake” festival with just a sling of tracks
under their belt is some feat. But now, this Friday, “Lazarus Kane” release their debut EP
“Psychobabble”, four tracks of luscious, hook filled disco punk. Such a weird and wonderful
combination is imaginably sincerely difficult to pull off, but Lazarus Kane do it with gusto here.
The EP opens with the quick and choppy “Milk At My Door”, released back in June. This joyous
number is the track that piqued my interest in the band, reminiscent of “Squid’s” Houseplants, with
its beautifully eccentric vocal stylings. Its punchy riff and layered instrumentation coolly swirl in your
ears with infectious gratification. Focusing on the addictiveness of binge-watching Netflix, this catchy
sound is a perfect companion to their otherwise seemingly random and nonsensical lyrical content.
“Psychobabble” then swiftly moves on to Whole Foods, the longest track on the EP at 4 and a half
minutes. It now became clear to me that “Lazarus Kane” are having as much fun playing their upbeat
punk/disco hybrid as I am listening to it. Yet another catchy hook “Take your asthmatics and go fuck
yourself” is frequently bellowed throughout the track as a collection of synths and guitar gleefully
dance along beneath the chant. Its perhaps not as strong as Milk At My Door, but it’s a solid track
that still allows the band to flex their unique and creative muscles.
Track 3 “Williston” moves away from the upbeat, frolicky sound of the first two tracks, allowing the
band to display their more anxty style, definitely not as danceable as their other tracks. Perhaps the
track needs a bit more elevating in order for it to travel in a more prominent direction, as it’s not
necessarily one that leaves a thirst on the tongue. However, when listening to “Williston” it does still
seem that the band have it in them to make a proper punky track with a bit more oomph, perhaps
its just more of a case of tinkering around to find that song that links the singles together, without it
being filler. I can’t help but thinking another, more single type song could go here in its place, as it is
only a four track EP.
Finally, “Psychobabble” concludes with the riotously fun “MPS”, the second new track on the EP, one
hundred percent establishing the bands’ ability to make sharp, lively tracks, packed with brilliant
guitar work and witty lyrics. Again, this number is reminiscent of the stylings of “Squid” and their
more bouncy, choppy tracks. Ultimately, “Lazarus Kane” should find a welcome place in the hearts of
“Speedy wunderground” and “The Windmill” fans. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to hear
more from the band, although I hope they lean in the direction of the funky punky wonderland
that’s so prominent on “Milk At My Door”.
