Dedstrange – 17 May 2024
Dismantling robotic drums and punk riffs; and then soldering them back together again with AGITPROP HOTLINE!!
The new release from Istanbul’s Goblin Daycare tears open with the lightning fast electro-punk “Doing My Part,” a lo-fi beaker overflowing with Descendents multi-vocals and Mr. Wizard production synths that can be thought of as a thesis statement from the band, as “Antenna Brain” fires on next with more of the same, this time with long chorus vibrato a-la Dead Kennedys. “Boss Man” comes next, with razor sharp locked-in stops in between the drum machines, and even more Plastic Surgery brand vocals. This band is GOOD, and the brain particles are exposed everywhere to reveal the genius within.
First I’ll present the single (and accompanying music video) “Liar, Liar.”
The drum and synth programming is fairly simple, until of course the bpm is increased to the absolute limits. The quick group vocals interweave between a land-locked guitar and bass, which mimic one another seamlessly with the production. The result is a perfectly calculated new wave punk tune presented on display. “Business Is Business” picks up next, with roto-toms that meld into quick half-time and more classic Daycare, at the top of their game. “Slaughterhouse Penthouse” is a punk rock sing-along masterpiece, with expert-level bass noodling between the zeros and ones in the backing.
“Manmade Horrors” opens with more sledgy, thin, filthy clean guitar riffs, stuffing in as many infectious moog led choruses as the minute and a half allots. “Plot to Rob Yuppies” staples a sample to another quick number, the evil chord progression mashing the Goblin signature sound with T.S.O.L. or School Drugs style hardcore. “ur dead lol” screams DK Fresh Fruit from front to back, in a very wonderful way, yet the dialed-in tempos from the electronics add an intensity that isn’t found in even the best 80’s punk rock collections. You see, those drummers were simply playing as fast as they could play, they were still humans with limits and staminas, and the drummer for Goblin Daycare? *slaps roof of CPU* Well the drummer for Goblin Daycare goes at whatever beats-per-minute the rest of the band desires.
“Nuclear Option” is the album closer, and easily my favorite out of the ten. There is a symmetry from the creepy synth intro/outro, and the great minds behind the band’s sound are on full showcase. This band is incredibly smart, and their production choices are spectacular. AGITPROP HOTLINE!! is a brilliant release from a band I will not be forgetting about any time soon. Much recommend.
Bandcamp (preorders for cassette. digital DL, vinyl)
Spotify
Host of “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?,” punk rock dad, OILER from the future, oh and my biggest fears are cold poo on my face when I’m sleeping, and spiders that walk on water. Jacket enthusiast, astrological sign.
Love this record. Love this review!