They first came to the attention of this writer with the release of their fifth EP ‘Cut’ in 2021; a snarling evisceration of the modern world and one that proved just how relentless their releases would be, given that they’d barely been together a year at that point. A debut album followed in 2022, the magnificent odyssey that is ‘By All Means Necessary’ and even still the band keep churning out their views in the form of punk-fuelled delights.
Yet, their latest single ‘The Gastronaut’ finds the band more at their playful best, without the political jeers often integrated into many of their better tracks. However, the toned-down messaging is at no detriment to the song, which commences with anthemic piano chords and large drum groves reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Tusk’. It is an intriguing opening salvo from a band more synonymous with power chords and crashing beats than hip-shaking rhythms, yet the swaying elements of the music seem to fit better with lead singer Pete Brock’s unique vocals that appear to take direct inspiration from The Stranglers former lead singer Hugh Cornwell.
The mischievous elements of the track come through best in the cheeky lyrics such as “If food be the music of love / Take a bite, eat your fill” yet 9 O’Clock Nasty are never one to play it safe and always seem to be willing to push the boat out. It’s on this backdrop of jolly lyrics and large music that a faint intermission of a violin begins to be heard. It’s a brief but beautiful moment and one that shows the band to be more than a one-trick pony.
9 o’clock Nasty, most importantly, make music that is fun, and that has continued on their latest release.
James Ogden
Image: ‘The Gastronaut’ Official Single Cover
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