SINGLE REVIEW: 'Second Rate Sinner' | Dead Extras

To be completely honest with you guys, I tend to avoid songs that're of a more hardcore rock/punk genre - call me boring but they've never really been my cup of tea - so I was sceptical when I agreed to check out this single. I must say, though, I was pleasantly surprised.

Dead Extras, comprising of James Rogers, Liam Swanson, Joe Synott and Matthew Wilson, formed in Leeds in 2017 and have since released their debut EP, YOMI - which was written in response to a period of political turmoil, taking inspiration from the mythological Japanese land of the dead. Earlier in 2019 the band released a post-hardcore single titled Affluenza, that took shape as an assault on overconsumption. The band have toured with the likes of Ducking Punches, Lightyear and Teenage Bottlerocket, developing a reputation for commanding performances with 'dramatic flair.'

In preparation for their sophomore EP the boys are releasing lead single Second Rate Sinner on Friday 29th Nov. With an infectious chorus and bouncing punk riffs, this track lashes out at the paranoia and fear created by media abuse in our hyperconnected modern day culture. The track is to be accompanied by a music video full of angst; it was shot by Shaun Hodson in the dingy basement of a local venue, capturing the song's relentless sense of entrapment through flashing strobes and an intense performance.

Gig-wise, we've nothing from Dead Extras until their EP release show in the new year! 360 Club, The Library, 28th February. Be there or be square.

Lippy Magazine - UoL's student run alternative mag - wrote "unearthing Dead Extras is to unearth a gem; you're unlikely to find another that does what they do to the same degree of skill - I wouldn't bother trying." If that doesn't tell you anything, then I don't know what will. Writing about important, contemporary issues and doing it with such vigour, Dead Extras are a band that will instantly catch - and are worthy of - your attention. Get ready for Leeds' best kept secret to take your world by storm.