Dan Hillier
Whilst being formed of members of Fresh, Me Rex, Finish Flag and Happy Accidents, to call Cheerbleederz a supergroup would probably be met with chagrin from those all-round. Not only would it contrast with the fact that the band are moreso the natural product of the intimate, familiar nature of the scene that birthed them, it would also be a direct disparity between their humble and modest nature. Cheerbleederz aren’t a band attempting to reinvent the game nor reap the spoils that could come with their credentials. Instead, all they’re here to do is write organic, zingy, catchy and haplessly endearing indie-punk bangers void of any gimmicks or pretence. even in jest is 10 tracks of that and it’s simply lovable.
From the dichotomy between the sugary sweet grunge pop and the combative lyricism of opener ‘break ur arm’, it’s nigh on impossible to argue against the sweet melodies and harmonies that compose this record. Whilst the acts that forged this band are known for dealing in the more ‘poppier’ side of the DIY sound, this record – along with the extended plays that predate even with jest – feel somewhat like a vessel for the sugar and caffeine addled pop that wouldn’t fit into the musical parameters of each member’s primary band.,
That’s not to say this record is overindulgent or sweetened to the point of it being sickening. A core part of this record’s charm is its blunt, borderline brutal honesty and unfiltered human emotion; values that simultaneously offset and embolden the pop sensibilities here. ‘my condolences’, ‘nail biters’ and the ever-thirsty ‘cute as hell’ demonstrate this wonderfully, with the licks, melodies and effortlessly catchy hooks within. Giddily manic, these rushes of indie-punk bolster the frank, candid and wholly brusque messages the songs exist to narrate.
Of course, this record isn’t one of pure hypermania, and understandably, there are tracks that are reminiscent of the bands each member belongs to. Like it’s moniker implies, the quiet and placid ‘lazy bones’ harkens thoughts of the tenderness of the now sadly defunct Happy Accidents, the synthetic daydream of ‘love/hurt’ carries the same textures and DNA of ME REX and the barbed riffs and melancholic saccharine of ‘notes app apology’, ‘pinwheel’ and the aforementioned ‘nail biters’ – easily one the most catchy indie-punk songs of the year thus far – easily compares to the work of Fresh. However, these brilliant tracks still carry the lovable essence and charm that makes this record so unique and brilliant. They’re a product of close-knit chemistry, compassion and charm from an act bounded by love for the music they make. This, combined with the relative lo-fi production of this record – with the fuzz and grit left untrimmed and unpolished – the end results are healing barrages of arresting melodies and genuine human emotion that clashes directly with the stale and uninspired rhythms that stagnate the wider indie-punk scene.
In all, you would genuinely need a heart of cold and callous stone not to be moved by the charm and hooks of this record. even in jest is a gimmick free record that sees Cheerbleederz channelling their full energy into an unselfconscious body of work that carries some of the most authentic emotion, melodies and harmonies to be heard in recent years. Simply put, if you’re in need for some indie-punk heart and soul then dig in, there’s a bountiful amount to be had here.