Bugeye
The Shape Of Things
INH Records
The Croydon DIY queer electro-pop five-piece Bugeye are launching their second album five years after their debut which was released during the pandemic. ‘The Shape Of Things’ is an intoxicating blend of post-punk, electro and pop shaken together to create a cocktail of synths, distorted guitars, dancefloor beats and raw energy. Taking inspiration from the likes of Gary Numan and Depeche Mode while creating something fresh and uniquely their own. Lyrical themes are unapologetic and are centred around rebellion, love, desire, identity and societal pressures in the modern world. ‘Comfortably Numb’ sets the tone with electrifying synths and distortion with swaggering, melodic vocals from front woman Angela Martin. Lyrics tell a tale of ‘euphoria and chaos’ on a night out from a feeling of freedom to the rude wakening of sunrise. Their latest single release ‘These Walls Will Fall’ is catchy and defiant, teaming grunge vocals, 80s beats and thought provoking lyrics critiquing media control and the metaphorical walls built to divide and isolate us. ‘Are We Still Breathing’ sounds like a classic pop anthem which wouldn’t have been out of place in the charts a few decades ago while still sounding fresh. ‘Welcome To The Team’ is one of the more typical punk tracks of the album with the vocal style being more punchy and pointed. Throughout the album we enjoyed Martin’s various vocal styles and how that lends to each song and how it helps to tell the story within the lyrical themes. ‘Model Behaviour’ closes the album and opens with spoken word going between melodic vocals and whispering, telling the tale of the pressures to fit a mould and how we are in fact beautiful in our own unique ways despite what they try to sell us. Although the album touches on serious topics it is an uplifting listen. Its purpose is to inspire and make you question things rather than wallow. Every layer of this album is impressive from production, instrumentals, vocals and the thoughtful lyrics.
https://www.facebook.com/bugeyemusic
Review by Aggy Gillon