Apparently County Tyrone rockers Think Laura Like Me had never heard of California stoner rock cult heroes Fu Manchu until an early live review noted their shared love of big riffs and their ability to deliver raucous live performances. The Belfast based band (now devoted followers) have been busy in the studio attempting to put their electrifying live sound on record, and fans of the Orange County legends will find much to love on Think Laura Like Me’s self-titled debut EP.
The EP kicks off with the rollicking ‘What Is Your Fragrance?’, where guitarist Shane Sally’s joyously scuzzy riff rides on the energetic back beat from rhythm section of Michael Coyle and Enya Fahy to give the song it’s propulsive pace. Bass player Coyle’s throaty holler is perfectly suited to the romantic desperation of the track’s lyrics, which is matched by Sally’s equally spirited backing vocals during the tracks impressively melodic chorus. The tune’s tempo changes, impassioned vocals and thumping riffage would make At The Drive In proud, and Fahy’s use of cowbell would win approval from Blue Oyster Cult (or at least Christopher Walken).
Thumping garage rocker ‘Walk of Shame’ is up next, whose tempo ebbs and flows over a super confident four minutes. Fahy’s crashing drums are key to the track’s dynamics, while the guitarists trade call and response vocals that recall the sleazy, after midnight cool of Arctic Monkeys 2013 triumph AM. Sally once again delivers with spiky guitar lines that duel with Coyle’s rumbling bass, while his sneering delivery of the one night stand anthem cements the singles devil-may-care tone. On final track ‘Lady’, the band swap the good time vibes of the opening brace for a more reflective feel: with low key guitar accompanying Coyle’s croon, detailing the end of a seemingly unbreakable relationship, the song’s introduction straddles dangerously close to 80s power ballad territory.
Thankfully, the spectre of leather trousered hair metal is vanquished as the track picks up and turns into another driving rocker, as Coyle’s defiant wail is once again assisted by Sally’s fervent calls of the song’s chorus, while finding time for a truly blistering guitar solo to help the track bring the EP to an epic finish.
Confidence abounds on a debut Ep that finds a band brimming with ideas and musical ability. This three song salvo serves as a quality introduction to band’s distinctive, high tempo brand of rock n roll, and should whet appetites even more for the band’s already notoriously wild live shows.
◀ STANDOUT ⁞ Lady ▶
◀ SOUNDS LIKE ⁞ At The Drive In | Royal Blood ▶
