Emerging from the pause of TRAAMS comes Social Haul and their debut self-titled album. Ten songs clocking in just over the twenty-minute mark and overflowing with seething lyricism and unrelenting riffage, this introduction is as brief as it is memorable. This is certainly one record you need to sink your teeth into.
Inspired by the many musings heard from not-too-distant conversations during post-practice pub sessions, Social Haul offers a comprehensive list of negative aspects that are challenged by its protagonist. With the recipe for confrontation, it harnesses that energy to create a solid idea of what to expect from the trio. Kicking off with the ideally titled ‘Complain’, the record throws you into a mishmash of noise shrouded in angst. Its brash vocal hook matches the passionate verses and the guitars act as strikes to the jaw with their abruptness, although they’re not nearly as harsh as that percussion. Oh boy.
This leads nicely into ‘Wet Eyes’, the first song the boys released as Social Haul. It’s clear to understand why as its frantic tempo lends a hand to the guitars, making them sound massive as they head straight into the ears. There are hints of The Hives within the instrumental, and the group vocal dynamic only helps make these influences stronger. ‘This Is All I Need’ follows with a glorious set of palm-muted riffs that sound savage and are accompanied by a bass tone that sounds filthy. It grooves as it chugs along, almost revelling in its repetitive sound. Becoming a vat of noise to get locked inside while sounding as fast-paced as its shorter counterparts.
‘Anthea’ rounds the edges a little as it opts for a more melodic approach in the guitars while allowing the drums to continue bashing their way into your skull. It calls for more variety to be added to the record, which refreshes things in time for ‘The Ease’, arguably my favourite song on the record. Once again that chugging tempo returns but it’s paired with a bassline that sinks straight into the hips, whilst riffs noodle their way through the layers to add some spark to the mix. It’s a proper anthemic listen and sounds far bigger than its two and a half minutes.
Social Haul is a superb album. The trio have introduced themselves in a big way, delivering a record that is covered in a jagged, ballsy attitude but has a knack to perform a groove or two. I like the way it eases off the urgency as it progresses, resulting in songs such as ‘Utmost Care’ that hang out rather than head for the exit. It’s great, and one of the best debuts of the year.