Debut album from No See Ums

Coming out of Brighton, newcomers No See Ums are an exciting supergroup outfit that filters elements of garage rock and punk into their own highly original sound. Featuring Phil and Nick from the psychedelic prog rock band The Qwarks, alongside Jax Burley of queer punk outfit the Daffodildos, this collective brings an uncompromising perspective on modern life.

The band’s musical output is built on satire, innuendo and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, all wrapped up in a sound of raw guitars, punchy bass and driving percussion. Signed to the UK’s only recovery-focused record label, Not Saints, the band is the latest group to join the imprint which helps artists overcoming addiction.

Making their explosive entrance earlier this year, last month they unveiled their sound to the world via their debut single “Flags.” Now they bring us their first full-length release with their curiously titled debut album, Elephants at the Airport.

Taking cues from legendary acts like Dead Kennedys and At The Drive In, No See Ums’ debut LP presents a sharp social commentary that provides an incisive look at a country seemingly at odds with itself. Blending rock, punk, country, and folk, this album is a whirlwind tour of modern Britain, examining its intricacies and flaws with a critical eye.

The nine-track record kicks off with the screeching guitar feedback on debut single “Flags” before the track settles into a moody riff-driven rock stomper. Striking drums and fuzzy guitar tones underpin the swaggering vocal leads dripping with punk attitude in the verse before gliding into the soft melodic aesthetic of the chorus. Switching back into the biting sound of splashy drums and angsty rock style, it’s a rousing outing packed full of energy and memorable writing that showcases the diversity of their sonic vision.

“Love at a Distance” sets a hazy scene with the roll of drums, crunchy guitar and bass line runs capped by expressive vocals. Capturing a transportive folk-inflected rock sound with a subtle Latin twist, it’s another engaging slice of the band’s superb songwriting and entirely unique style.

Injecting a galloping energy on “One Night in Utrecht,” the lively patter of drums and intricate guitar noodling is met with compelling storytelling lyricism on a thrilling bluegrass inspired jam. Other highlights include songs like the title track “Elephants at the Airport” which serves up a grooving rock sound where slick riffs, energising drums and commanding vocal performance cut with gritty lead guitar licks, resulting in a catchy rock anthem that flows through a dreamy vibe switch up in the bridge before rising to a burst of exhilarating lead guitar work riding the punchy rhythm of the arrangement.

The album closes with “A New England (Just Like it Used to Be)” where haunting lead guitar notes ushers in the swell of lightly thumping drums and heated vocals. With charged lyrics that dissects political themes and prejudice in the UK to serve up one last dose of No See Ums’ powerful and socially conscious rock sound to provide an epic finale to their worthy debut record.

Listen to Elephants at the Airport below