FUNKTION

2019.7/11 Thu at OATH OPEN 20:00

SPECIAL GUESTS: PHONEHEAD LOUSY LOVER

The haunting drawl from Matt Savage echoes from the walls, as the sludgy guitar and bass kick off Destrends' debut EP with a slow descent into the unknown with the opener, Jack. It contains all the signatures of the Melbourne three-piece: simple, catchy lyrics that walk on the edge of playful and downright macabre, driving bass with a complimentary guitar line that occasionally strays to create some colour, and an almost sexy breakdown towards the end. It's not the fast-paced showstopping groove of My Friend which is what drew me to the band in the first place, but as an introduction to what Destrends is all about, I couldn't imagine this EP beginning with any other track.

It is followed up by Papa, another grinding mish-mash of post-punk and classic rock that dances around a rather strange story about a father's love, maybe? That's the thing with Destrends, I'm not entirely sure if they want me to take these lyrics seriously as a story, or if they are a metaphor for some kind of crazy night at The Evelyn fuelled by booze.

Things slow right down with Lousy Lover, a trawl through strangely upbeat palm-mutes paired with some haunting words that wouldn't sound out of place on a Placebo album when they were in their prime. Thankfully, Destrends deliver it with far more sincerity, landing the blow in the middle of the EP that cements their commitment to their craft. Yes, this is a collection of dark and sad songs, and this is the killing blow.

When you're at rock bottom, Waste Division comes out to pick you right up, with a pulsating drum line and screeching guitars that really kick things into high gear. From sludge to post-punk anthem in just a short three minutes, this is the sound of the band that rips up stages all over the country, that has rooms bouncing on the balls of their feet, ready to party.

As someone who lived in Mississippi for a length of time, I actually identify with Slack Jaw Jim, probably more than most. Giving Matt Savage a chance to lead the track with his groovy bass line, it breaks down as some kind of blues meets classic rock experiment that I dig, but ultimately I feel it ruins the continuity of the EP.

The EP finishes on a high note with Blackout, another anthem that will be running through your head for days with it's catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics. At the end of the journey, I immediately looked up when the band would be playing this fair city again, itching for the chance to see the lads with glittery paint take the stage again, perhaps with giant TVs on their heads as they delivered their brand of Bauhaus meets Warsaw.

Lousy Lover is a solid listen, and a great introduction to one of my favourite live acts kicking around Melbourne. Destrends have a sound, and they deliver it consistently and with flair, a catchy tune that I can never quite tell if it's a hilarious dream, or a dreary nightmare. While the EP may not have the glitz and madness that the band showcase on stage, it does capture their sound perfectly, and I'm sure will get spun in your collection regularly.