Scattrbrain – Bombs Away 7″ (Big Society)

If you’ve been following Thoughts Words Action for any amount of time, you know I have a massive soft spot for artists and bands who aren’t afraid to set their own reputation on fire just to see what kind of light the flames produce. Coming straight out of Detroit, a city that knows a thing or two about spirit and reinvention, this new 7” titled Bombs Away by Scattrbrain is exactly the kind of sonic curveball the underground needs right now. It’s a complete atmospheric shift. Taking cues from those legendary moments when artists decided to abandon their comfort zones for the sake of raw, unfiltered expression, Scattrbrain acts like a project built for the sheer purpose of catharsis. We’re talking about a creative, intelligent blend that pulls from art punk, punk rock, indie, and some surprisingly heavy rhythmic influences, creating a dangerous, fresh, and unique sound.

The first half of this 7” is a total adrenaline shot. Right out of the gate, you’re hit with a chaotic and incredibly tight wall of sound. Instead of a basic 4/4 beat, we’re treated to these marvelous drum and bass-style patterns. It adds a layer of frantic, modern dynamics that keeps the energy at a boiling point. The guitars are beautifully gnarly, pushed through enough fuzz to make them feel raw and aggressive, but never lose the groove. The basslines are equally distorted, providing a thick, groovy foundation that ties the whole experiment together. Over the top of this instrumental lies an excellent vocal performance. It carries all the emotional weight of the lyrics and feels like someone pouring their soul out in a basement show while the world ends outside. If you’re into experimental punk that actually has something to say, this is going to resonate with you immediately. Once you flip the record, Scattrbrain shows you they aren’t just a one-trick pony focused on volume. The B-side reveals a perfect indie punk composition that highlights their songwriting, composing, arranging, and producing abilities. It’s a complete shift in mood, moving into a more melodic, soulful, and emotional territory that proves this band knows exactly how to handle production and atmosphere. The performance here is more nuanced. The GRIP’s vocals sit perfectly in the mix, delivering a deeply evocative and heartfelt performance. It’s a track that showcases the band’s versatility. They can go from a sonic riot to a melancholic masterpiece without breaking a sweat. It’s soulful indie punk at its absolute best, proving that Scattrbrain is just as much about the art as they are about the punk.

Bombs Away is a stellar introduction to this incredible project. This is music for the people who want to feel the cracks in the pavement and the static in the air. A perfect choice for anyone who loves punk rock straight from the heart, but also craves some experimental journeys into drum and bass and artsy indie music. By blending the aggression of Detroit’s heritage with forward-thinking rhythmic choices and genuine emotional depth, Scattrbrain has delivered an essential release for anyone keeping tabs on modern, experimental punk rock. Head to Scattrbrain’s Instagaram page for more info about ordering this gem on 7” record.