Photo: Chloë-Louise Scanlan
Irish ‘rock-flavoured pop trio Unstuck released their debut single ‘Occupied’ back on the 20th of August and it’s a great reflection of what the Dublin based bunch are all about.
This new one is a self-proclaimed “two-minute thump of wonky fuzz pop” and it delivers on their “promise to provide punchy radio sized tracks that don’t compromise alternative tendencies”. Certainly, Unstuck’s vision isn’t obscured as this song seems a perfect tune to have a thrash to – really bringing the enjoyable fundamentals of their given genre to the fore.
From screeching amp feedback at the start to a tight, grunge chord structure I found reminiscent of Australian punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers, it's clear the trio value a tight composition. The guitars are as quirky and fuzzy as the single’s animated cover art and the vocal harmony although off-kilter is catchy. It lays the foundation for a potentially exuberant live experience.
Unstuck are influenced by XTC, The Beach Boys (kind of evident through harmonies) and Built to Spill, yet are slowly commencing their own brand of energetic pop-rock. ‘Occupied’ is a taste of things to come on the five track EP the band are currently working on. As things are finalised, it’ll certainly be interesting to see where the three are headed. The boys of Wexford, executing their musical mission in Dublin are ready to cause a stir. Their prevailing message:
“Make songs songs again”.