When SPQR, one of Liverpools pre-eminent bands drops an EP durning lockdown its a brighter day. So we hit the download button and gave it a spin (or we clicked on play but it doesn’t sound the same as spin)… Naturally though it takes us ages to post the review.
The first track ‘Nuthin Gud’ starts mysteriously, hints of ‘OK Computer’. The will he/wont he make the note vocal (he alway does), leads us into a solid groove before ramping up into a full on anguished chorus. The track constantly dragging the listener in with sonic ambushes from all sides and a shifting and shimmering sound that defies expectations.
‘Just Sumfin’ (which also continues the 1970s glam rock spelling theme), has a funky feel with falsetto vocals riding on top that breaks into a dizzy airy groove with tuneful melodies and clever keys. Theres a hint of 70s Prog rockers Yes in places but its fresh sounding right up to its sudden dead stop ending!
The title track, ‘No Brain, No Pain’ hits us with a bass led groove that ducks in an out of some corrupt electro disco. The doubling of the vocal melody on keys adds further Krautrock sound though SPQR might hint at other influences they never getting dragged off course by homage.
‘Loves Summer’ is a mixture of hard and soft, a staccato rhythm underpins an unearthly vocal melody thats often repeated on keys giving this track a unique feel.
Its a tuneful, compelling, well crafted and pretty unique EP. Well worth a download for the great musicianship - drums in particular - with multiple vocals that are welded together into one musical being. The band doesn’t stand still musically and have added more musical explorations to their sound. Get this EP.
Words and photos RBY
Get the EP from: https://spqr.fanlink.to/NBNPEP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spqrband/
Band camp: https://spqrofficial.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.p.q.r_songs/
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