Released on the May 22 via Lilot Records, the Isle of Wight two piece have recently bestowed the aptly titled ‘THE EP’ upon their ever-anticipating and ever-flourishing fan base.
Featuring five released singles alongside their newest and previously unheard track ‘POSH’, ‘THE EP’ is as concise as it is memorable, and offers a cataclysmic hit that only punk can bring.
Since The Pill’s conception in 2019, guitarist Lily Hutchings and bassist Lottie Massey have delighted listeners with a fruitful, and at times outrageous, combination of biting lyricism and fervent guitar hooks. Their newest and biggest release yet is no exception. Featuring an interplay of sardonic social commentary, razor sharp takes on the mundane and guitar hooks that bear similarities to your favourite Riot Grrrl band, ‘THE EP’ is a short, scathing yet sweet announcement from The Pill.
While at first listen it may seem that the group’s searing, societal commentary is blistering enough as it is - not even the humble mullet is safe from their criticism - it is The Pill’s use of an effeminate, mocking vocal style which makes it all the more successful. The result? Many an irritated, male punk fan, who just so thinks he knows more about music, or anything else for that matter, than the Isle of Wight’s favourite firebands. ‘THE EP’ acts as a proud, unwavering punk proclamation that this is simply water off The Pill’s back.
Opening with crashing percussion and guitar that wouldn’t be out of place on a Buzzcocks track, ‘POSH’ details a lived-in distaste towards the pretentious, the posh and the pompous. With ever important, probing questions such as “If I ask nice will you put me in your will?” studding the lyrics, ‘POSH’ delivers relentless humour at breakneck speeds, with no risk of easing up as the EP progresses.
Seconded by their debut single, ‘Bale of Hay’ is a riotous, satirical number illustrating stereotypes that blight womanhood, whilst ‘Problem’ is a playfully enthusiastic explosion, perfectly crafted for some punk style pogoing. The EP is only further bolstered by the danceable ‘Scaffolding Man’, which can be acclaimed as an energetically entertaining insight into a rather unfortunate encounter with, you guessed it, a scaffolding man. The numbers of ‘Money Mullet’ and ‘Woman Driver’ are arguably The Pill at their most playful, which alongside feedback laced guitars, serve to emanate a characteristic, musical mischievousness.
A release that is designed for the stage and to be screamed by head banging, live audience, ‘THE EP’ is a confidently irresistible statement from the Isle of Wight two piece. Playfully punk and sardonically chic, The Pill will embark on their first ever headline tour this September, playing dates in Glasgow, Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Southampton. Tickets can be found here.
