Crank it and jump up and down: this seems the only reasonable response to the debut EP by Them Bruins—the frenetic four-piece from Melbourne.
God Bless Them Bruins offers five raucous cuts, each clocking in under three minutes. But what it lacks in variation it makes up for in energy.
Them Bruins have hammered together a rock pastiche from first-gen punk (Wire), 80s American hardcore (early Hüsker Dü, Minor Threat), and 2000s garage.
While the unapologetic bounce, wry aggression, and throwaway hooks are all there, the usual DIY aesthetic has been shunned in favour of – if not subtle – then nuanced production, including echo, vocal layering, and buckets of reverb.
Too-pretty-for-hardcore frontman Joel Griff throws out staccato hooks like an old punk, while guitarist Ben Woodmason’s workmanlike riffs are taut but never flashy.
Full credit also to Them Bruins’ rhythm section: James Campbell’s fuzz bass adds a crunchy gravel bottom and Tim Woodmason’s drums sound like a toolshed exploding.
God Bless Them Bruins does, however, have its flaws. For one, the simple song structures and uniform running times can get old.
If Them Bruins want to transfer their rowdy energy to a full album they might have to expand beyond the two-three minute verse/chorus structure. At this stage, a lack of sonic variety seems to be the only thing letting them down.
Without doubt, Them Bruins are an exciting band sure to get the kids jumping. God Bless Them Bruins is a quarter hour of fist-in-the-air garage rock that is loaded with potential. Bring on their first album.
