The Ghost of Churchfield Shuffle is the new EP from The Revolt. The Irish band are bringing their brand of Post-Punk right to your face, and pull no punches as they tear through five songs that leave little care to what damage they cause.
With an intro like that, it makes sense that the band waste no time to get started. ‘Churchfield Shuffle’ opens the EP with a blistering instrumental. Blending hard-hitting riffs with serious grooves to create the danciest moshpit imaginable. Written about the “art” of ghosting, the song questions what happened to treating people like people, and not disposable content. Bringing home an attitude that will stick with us.
‘Damned Love’ follows a bass intro that sounds straight out of the 90s Punk era – like something Wire would’ve produced in the Pink Flag days. What follows is another heavy set of riffs that relentlessly collide against the ears, as the band turn their attention to Disney Syndrome. Calling out how warped it is to attribute love and self-worth to something that’s dressed as a fairytale, but is so materialistic in reality.
A rolling drum beat opens up ‘Catharsis’, which is described as the ’emotional centre’ of the EP. With literal howls of gender rebellion, the song embodies the anger and pain that comes with not being truly seen. The vocals are drawn out atop an instrumental that switches up constantly, turning it into a visceral experience that creates an impact in many ways.
The tempo is cranked up once again for ‘Uisce Beatha’ – Gaelic for ‘water of life’ – as it brings back the swagger heard on the opening track. It swings between a rigid beat and has a playfulness that makes it the catchiest song on the EP.
Closing things is ‘Never Say His Name’, the lead single that was inspired by The West Cork Podcast and the unresolved murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. It’s a defiant listen that chooses to focus on the victim rather than the suspect, reframing perception to bring a voice for all victims. Creating a powerful narrative that closes out the EP with power.
The Revolt have delivered a brutal and honest experience on The Ghost of Churchfield Shuffle. A lot of emotions and themes have been explored throughout five tracks, and each of them have been given the time to be heard properly. As heavy as the topics are, the band do make sure to inject some fun and urgency to the mix too. Making it a well-crafted, concise listen.
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