There is an interesting twist to this review, originally, I was gonna put it at the end of the review, however, I think it right you know now. I’ve never met Mark, but have seen him play, comes across as a humble and unassuming chap, with an obvious flare and deep-seated passion for music. This EP is fast paced, honest and intellectually written. The twist here is, during lockdown, Mark decided to write and perform the whole EP on his own, playing all the instruments (drums via computer program) and all of the vocals. I had listened to the EP prior to knowing this, and to be honest, I was gobsmacked. Everything about these tunes screams a tight, highly rehearsed outfit playing great tunes, and playing them extremely well. Incidentally, Mark is in the process of getting a full band together under the same name. This is sommat I am genuinely looking forward to.
Mark has played in a number of bands over a few decades, including Crocodile God, No Marks and of course The Meds. Influenced by thrash metal at a young age, eventually journeying into the punk world, putting his own unique slant on the scene. A committed man of music and clear instrumental talent, he has put this work together on his own, having to work under difficult circumstances with what the pandemic has brought to many, especially where cd and vinyl pressing issues are concerned. A good friend of Mark’s, Ant Booth from Kesrbri studios produced the EP, giving it the final sound that Mark was after, and what a job he did. Nice one Ant.
Although there are only 4 songs lasting just short of 10 minutes, the work and effort that’s has gone into its production is worth taking into account. All done during lockdown in his own home, a stunning piece of work. Ordinarily I would give credit to all band members in a review, a tad difficult under these circumstances, so……. Hats off to Mark, these 4 tunes outline personal thoughts and problems that lockdown have brought to him, and probably most of us, and I would say more so musicians who are away from what they love to do and find themselves shackled to limited artistic experience, which in itself is a tribute to what Mark has done here.
Cider. Starting off with a blistering drum and guitar tempo, I can see Mark sitting back in his chair, reminiscing on the days of freedom pre lockdown. A simple lyric outlining the need for companionship, and missing those close to him. A song I think we can all relate to over the last 18 months or so.
Options. A love song !! cracking guitar riffs all the way through complimented perfectly by a back drum beat. Thinking of the “one” we see from afar, knowing she is the one, with all the things you wanna say to make her your one true love. Again, fast paced track but easy to sing a long too with a great melody.
Don’t. Complete reversal of “Options”, the total realisation that the “one” isn’t actually that at all. The breakdown of a relationship where the other person gradually saps the life out of you, coupled with the need to get out of a suffocating situation. Succinct and straight to the point here, no mincing of words!
Wishing. A slightly slower tempo here, yet the drum line remains up tempo, cleverly done I must say. “Wishing my life away”, slightly contradictory song, as at one-point things all appear to be great, being together “syncing up”, then suddenly the thought that ya might just be stuck in a rut, and just going with the flow. Interesting song, again, I feel this is a personal experience of the songwriter. Some may see different story here, and that is the beauty of music, we all have our own interpretation.
To sum up, an astonishing 4 track EP from a great talent. 4 tracks ya could listen to all day, driving along and foot tapping away, great melodies, superb musicianship, almost has a fell of the surf sound of the 60’s. Cheers Mark, looking forward to the band being up and running.
Words: Johnny, Photos: RBY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markmurphyandthemeds
Bandcamp: https://markmurphyandthemeds.bandcamp.com/