James Hobbs is the musical maestro behind the collective and in life, he spends his days by the sea in a quaint English town, yet in his latest release, he finds himself hungover in the dance capital of Europe. Hangovers, however, have never sounded so good.
The intro is all processed beats and distant, jangly chords, almost lulling the listener into a false sense of ease. It doesn’t last long as distorted guitars kick into action, the jolt almost replicating the eye-opening bewilderment of the morning after the night before.
As the track takes on a distinctive pop-punk flavour with a British twist, we find Hobbs lamenting what was meant to be “A little escape from mediocrity”. Instead, the singer finds himself rough in a foreign land with nothing but his own regrets for company.
‘Drinkin’ in Berlin’ then becomes a homage to hangovers and all that accompanies them. “Don’t check my bloodstream / Don’t call the feds” insists Hobbs, in his unique English twang reminiscent of Damon Albarn, over a chorus of wailing guitars and pounding drums. “Go! Go! Back to Heathrow” is the parting shot by Hobbs as the track, in true punk fashion, ends almost before it began.
What Echo Coast does in ‘Drinkin’ in Berlin’ is nothing ground-breaking. What it is, however, is thoroughbred rock ‘n’ roll, taking no punches as even something as mundane as a hangover in a foreign city becomes almost life and death through pure attitude and a snarling delivery from Hobbs, whilst the licks, riffs, and hooks are delectable throughout. The song is snarl through English wit, and all the better for it.
James Ogden
Image: ‘Drinkin’ in Berlin’ Official Single Cover
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