EP REVIEW: 'Atrophy' | YOWL

Peckham based 5-piece YOWL released their sophomore EP, Atrophy, via Clue Records on 29/11. YOWL are Gabriel Byrde, Ivor Mansley, Mike Wride, Billy Morris and Tom Flynn. They formed back in 2016 and made their debut with the Before the Sleep Sets In EP, which used a mix of indie and post-punk to channel the frustration felt towards mid-city living. The last year has consisted of the band making a name for themselves and entrenching their reputation, both on record and on stage. Gaining support from the likes of NME and BBC Radio 6Music, the band have taken up opportunities left, right, and centre, playing alongside IDLES and they most recently joined Working Men's Club on their tour. 

Over 6 tracks the band veer from upbeat bouncing basslines and striking falsetto vocals, fluctuating from country-tinged sadness to furious alt-punk. Byrde spins poetry on songs about alienation and exhaustion, as nobody wants poor job prospects and to live in a city that prices out the poorest, and YOWL capture the frustration felt by many of the 9-to-5 London grid. 

Each track is completely different from the last, and this EP is unlike anything I've ever heard before. Modern music has the tendency to be quite "same-y," but Byrde's vocals are absolutely mesmerising. Having never listened to, or heard of for that matter, YOWL before I was going into this EP with zero biases and opinions whatsoever, and my initial reaction after my first listen was: "wow." I am in absolute awe of what this band have created. Byrde's lyrical content adds a mocking twist to the serious tone of the tracks. Pre-released Mammalian Fondness is a personal favourite of mine, as it's an upbeat attack on modern culture, opening with an introspective sound before a jumping bassline joins in to lift the mood. The track is accompanied by a humorous music video that ridicules modern-day advertisement, and poses as a subtle stab at commercialism.

Each track is all the more of an insight into the band's mindset and a lot of listeners are likely to be able to empathise with the messages portrayed in the songs. In all honesty, whether you're bothered about the strain of modern living or not, YOWL are still worth a listen - they make fab music that more people need to be made aware of.

The EP is available both digitally and on a ruby-red 12" vinyl; you can order it from cluerecords.com - it's limited to only 300 copies, though, so snatch yours up whilst you can! YOWL are hitting the stage of Peckham Audio on the 13th December.