CLAY J GLADSTONE
UNLEASH VIVACIOUS DEBUT EP
‘DEAD FRIENDS’
Sydney-based punk rock group Clay J Gladstone have just revealed their enthusiastic debut EP ‘Dead Friends’ – produced and mixed by Daniel Antix at Def Wolf Studios (Pist Idiots, SCABZ).
The EP is six tracks of dramatic, energetic punk music, propitious with lyrical tension that intertwines with vigorous instrumentation; embracing influences and emphasising the various elements that make up Clay J Gladstone’s signature sound.
Clay J Gladstone talk about the meaning behind ‘Dead Friends’:
“The theme of the record is around struggling with mental illness, addiction, relationships and becoming a dead body – figuratively – to those around you. Whilst the lyrical themes are dark, there is an underlying and partly cryptic message that you will survive. We don’t hold ourselves down to genre which we feel you can hear, but we definitely consider DEAD FRIENDS an ode to classic emo though with a very ‘Australian’ feel.”
EP opener and title track ‘Dead Friends’ kicks into high gear with a lively tempo and frantic guitar riffage. Syncopated drums and heartfelt vocals propel the track into an emphatic chorus reminiscent to influences My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy, with the group’s musical chemistry highlighted through the track’s vast dynamic spectrum. Following closely is second track ‘Balance’, a quirky and energetic slice that blends virulent grit and gutsy melodies as its roaring chorus accentuates a brutally honest message about coping with addiction and mental health issues.
Third track ‘Move On’ is introduced with intricate polyphony and bouncing fundamentals as it swells dynamically into its anthemic hook, highlighted with a decipherable chord structure and heartfelt high-register cadences. Progressing into track four, ‘High School Drama (Violence)’, Clay J Gladstone expose their aptitude for sincerity and morality with vivid text painting and melodious conviction. The song’s structure is guided with angst-fuelled guitars, balanced bass and adapting drum patterns, while vocals rise assertively overhead.
Penultimate track ‘People Like You’ explores the band’s suave, soporific song writing techniques before lashing out with severe vocal prowess, vigorous instrumentation and expressive variance throughout its three-minute duration. The EP closes with ‘King Ugly’, paying homage to the band’s pop punk inspirations with galvanic gang vocals and harmonious accentuations, bringing the release full circle with a resounding finale that encompasses Clay J Gladstone’s multiplicity and fluency.
Previous singles from ‘Dead Friends’ have been widely supported by the likes of Spotify, Apple Music, triple j, The Faction, 2SER, Radio Adelaide, 4ZZZ, Aussie Music Weekly, and Idobi Radio (USA). The band have also received online praise from New Noise Magazine (USA), Surviving the Golden Age (USA), Pilerats, Hysteria Mag, HEAVY Mag, Milky, AAA Backstage and Dusty Organ (USA).
EP Track Listing:
1. Dead Friends
2. Balance
3. Move On
4. High School Drama (Violence)
5. People Like You
6. King Ugly
‘Dead Friends’ is now available worldwide .
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