From a debut E.P which may have escaped your notice released in 2021, to a debut album which totally deserves Indie punk fans attention. Newcastle’s Fast Blood bring blistering energetic melodic hooks and a sharp modern punk punch on Sunny Blunts.
Along with Abigail Barlow’s Geordie accented vocals are guitarist Dave Hillier, bassist Kris Brunsden, and Dave Allen fuelling all the band’s spirited energy on drums. Their fast fury acknowledges Hot Snakes and Mannequin Pussy among their influences. But, their file under quality extends further as they also recall the much-missed Sunderland’s finest melodic Hardcore Punks Leatherface speedy drive and Brutus in their DNA.
Memorable debut albums generally burst out of the pipes with an instant pile driver of an opener, and Fast Blood do indeed raise the pulse as sparks fly on ‘Sexual Healing’ (no, not a cover of the 1970’s Marvin Gaye soul classic). Charged with female empowerment, it’s an exhilarating just over the three minutes’ mark ride. It gives off the same rush of unstoppable energy in the same vein as listening to Melbourne’s rebel rousers Amyl and the Sniffers. It will duly make you feel 21 years young, whatever your current age.
The energy doesn’t end there as songs motorize along with zip and purpose, without too much pause for breath. Adrenaline raising thrills are supplied with zest on ‘Gone for Good,’ ‘Small Town’, and ‘Sexual Healing’. Though in truth, there isn’t any time for even a sniff of a filler across its nine tracks. It’s not until the closing title track where they reduce the speed and burrow deeper into a darker, disturbing, life changing lyrical tone mixed with memories of a happier time. Before then, there is a mix of themes including relationships, desire, frustration, politics, all shot through with a strong characteristic display by vocalist Abigail Barlow, as well as it all sounding neon lighted cathartic for her letting it all rip outwards. Check out Abigail’s ferocious roar at the end of ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and the way she spits out with venom her disgust for ‘’reading The Daily Mail’’ and ‘its ‘’right-wing bullshit’’ on ‘Small Town’ are memorable.
Sunny Blunts sounds like all of those associated with its making brought nothing but an enthusiastic commitment to proceedings. This includes a contemporary production which gives it all an updated substance. They also sound like they have it in them for further evolution and variation. This, nudges forth on the nifty melodious earworm of ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and the measured nous of the closing title track. It demonstrates Hillier’s finger picking indie guitar credentials. But, what is most impressive is how the band whip up melodies with the ease of a blustery full force wind’s ability to knock down wood rotted garden fences.
Sunny Blunts is a quality all guns blazing thumping blast of a debut from a band with bundles of promise. These songs are also an essential to be heard in a live environment. Fast Blood’s debut appropriately matches their name and are another band to be added to the thriving young punk bands emerging recently.