The World’s End is the debut EP by Belfast band Madams Last Discovery (affectionately called “Madams” by their fans). The psychedelic post-punk band are comprised of front man Flinn O’Grady, Nathan Shawe on lead guitar, Guigsy on bass and Fiontan McAleavey on drums.
The EP displays a gritty, bass driven sound produced by Darragh Tibbs at the Analogue Catalogue Studio that is led by the swaggering attitude from Flinn O’Grady’s half-singing/speaking vocal delivery.
The four-track EP kicks off with the aforementioned ‘Orange Juice’. That sample is from ’50s movie, “Plan 9 from Outer Space,” with the chorus also being based on the Pinocchio quote, “I’ve got no strings on me.” This relates to having the shackles removed and feeling truly free. The track stomps in and introduces the heavy yet danceable grooves of the EP. It has a monster guitar riff and infectious chorus.
The second track ‘The Message’ has a quirky and more melodic sound. The acoustic and slide guitar gives it a slight Beatles vibe, if they were performing at the end of the world (hence the fitting title of the EP) with a post-punk sheen.
The forceful kick of the opener comes back in spades on third track ‘Out Of Fashion’. The song has a glam-rock stomp similar to “Shoot The Runner” by Kasabian, especially on the swaggering vocals. Along with ’70s and more recent post-punk bands like the Talking Heads and Fontaines D.C., the group is definitely inspired by bands of Kasabian’s ilk. The refrain on the song is worth noting – it is smart and draws the listener in.
All roads lead to the final track ‘Molotov’, which is over seven minutes long. The song takes the psychedelic sound of the EP to new heights. It starts off as a droning yet still danceable track, with a widescreen and immersive production. The use of violin/fiddle is also a nice feature of the track. It is both a nod to Ireland and adds to the otherworldly feel of the track. After a second swaggering chorus, the song changes tempo to a mad freakout, with the violin and other instruments going wild. I feel that this section starts to go on a bit, until it pulls back and changes tempo again.
The World’s End is full of swagger and groove with just the right amount of experimental psychedelic tendencies. It is a promising start for a band that are already a force to be reckoned with live.
