General Fiasco are a four-piece from Bellaghy, Co. Derry. They formed in 2006 as a trio, but failed to release an album until 2010. ‘Buildings’ was released that March, followed by prominent dates at Reading and Leeds, T in the Park and a support slot for Snow Patrol.
While ‘Buildings’ introduced us to a grittier, indie-rock band, ‘Waves’ sounds as if it could have been produced by a different group altogether. The EP is more pop-punk than alternative, proving that General Fiasco have lightened up a little, as well as showing that they’re willing to experiment—unlike many of their contemporaries.
It’s a shocking change, but it’s a good one. Guitar paces are heavier in ‘Buildings’, but darker. Perhaps the introduction of new guitarist, Stuart Bell—from the now-defunct Panama Kings—can be partially credited for this.
The title track is an explosion of funky riffs and fuzzy, upbeat pop distortion. “And I go back, like a wave to the shore, I don‘t think about you much now anymore”, belts out bassist Owen Strathern, in a hook that will run loops around your head. His vocals are more infectious than ever, and his Northern pronunciations just as endearing.
From ’Waves’ head-banging outro riff, ‘The Age You Start Loosing Friends’ at first seems more of a low-key track, when it’s not dipping in and out of shouty vocals. Strathern is really, really worried that we might forget our friends. A great electro-style riff guides his voice at all the right moments, as well as Bell’s rousing solo strumming.
‘German Roads’ opens with thumping drums that continue to carry the song through. It’s complex, and a little less formulaic than the rest, containing the strongest and stripped-down vocal of the EP. The lyrics aren’t anything special, the generic ‘I’m leaving you now’ stuff, but the execution will have you truly engrossed.
Finale, ‘I Wanna Eat Her’ is a bit bizarre. “I wanna eat her, I wanna see that she fits right in my mouth,” is a debatable opening-line, but Stephen Leacock’s drums dominate an otherwise shaky composition. An undeniable Wheatus touch throughout, pulsating bass lines are sewn shut with confident drums, bringing the EP to a worthy close.
General Fiasco are heading in a different, yet promising new direction with this EP. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take another four years for their sophomore album, because I reckon it’ll create some real waves on the Irish music scene.