After what has felt like a lifetime, Mawpit have launched their debut EP, Common Enemy. The EP became one of our most anticipated releases purely because of the creativity behind it, as well as the promotion too. We had the pleasure to take part in their YouTube series – MawTalks – which was a lot of fun, and also had an equally great time learning about the protagonist behind the EP, Chara.
Chara is what Common Enemy is based around. She is the character who essentially delivers a thick slice of karma to those who deserve it. With five tracks loaded with discussions against various big topics, Mawpit’s first EP is one that’s charged with passion and packs a serious punch throughout.
‘Mum I’m Sorry’ kicks things off with an impassioned performance that looks to collapse the system. Dishing out direct statements against politicians and those in power with no care for consequences. Pairing them with aggressive riffs that push the limits to show Mawpit mean business. It’s a great way to open the EP and continues to thrill even after months of repeated listens.
The intensity continues to build as ‘Eye to Eye’ follows. Written about the realisation that a never-ending dispute truly is endless, the song channels its frustration by bringing more gutsy guitars to the ears. It displays a heavier sound from Mawpit, who said that the decision to load up this socially focused EP with an aggressive sound came naturally. ‘Harlem’ really brings the best of this with huge walls of noise allowed to bellow out from the airwaves to properly drive this intensity into the mind.
‘Body Approval’ is a bold middle finger to all things patriarchy and throws everyone who tries to belittle women into the fire. It is brash with flurries of guitars that are allowed to tear through the speakers with feedback and fury. The verses build up the power of the chorus really well, allowing it to erupt with noise that makes this a real highlight among highlights.
Common Enemy is fantastic and has absolutely been worth the wait. Mawpit have always brought creativity and imagination to their singles, and they’ve proven they can do the same with their bigger projects too. The EP establishes its pissed off stance the second ‘Mum I’m Sorry’ kicks in and continues that momentum through to the seething swagger of ‘Sinner’. It is brilliant, certainly one of the best of the year.