Prior to the release of their 2019 EP's headline single "Tour de France" it had been almost two years since we'd heard a recorded piece from Glasgow indie rockers "Weekend Debt". In today's musical climate such a cavernous gap in releases could kill a band, was Weekend Debt's risky break away from Spotify and other vital streaming services really worth it?
Fuck aye!
Weekend Debt's "Living Under the Influence" is a remarkable piece of work, an EP from a band who sound as if they're steadily approaching the prime of their musical lifespan. The EP is packed with tense tightly strung guitar riffs, a pounding reciprocating rhythm section and witty fast flowing lyrics executed to their fullest potential by frontman Grant Scott's "The View" infused delivery. "Living Under the Influence" sets a new standard for a band who feel as if they're confidently coming into their own.
It's opener "Tour de France", a delightfully roaring and rambling piece, is the only single but also weirdly it's weakest track out with the context of the EP. By no means a poor song, Tour de France is a swift and solid piece of work coming packed with Weekend Debt's trademark engaging lyrics and galvanising instrumentation. It was an obvious choice for the single but just can't help but feel a touch overshadowed by the brilliance which follows.
Yet, placed at the head of the collection of songs and it serves a clear purpose. The track is a welcome and well exercised introduction to the palette of musical sounds and lyrical ideas/themes which unfold over the quartet of songs.
An energetic bouncy opener is swiftly followed by "Miss Cougar", a song which to begin with seems to offer more of the same. Wisely Weekend Debt hold off on the tune's more distinct anthemic qualities until the second half so when introduced they land with maximum impact. The resounding pounding climax and beautifully chaotic conclusion the song builds to are superbly executed. It's the first but far from last example of the growing maturity and foresight with which the band approached this stellar EP. Each detail has evidently been carefully thought out so the songs can benefit each other individually and as collective, therefore propelling "Living Under The Influence" to greater heights.
The delightful "Tories" takes third spot. Arguably the calm before the storm, it's a more relaxed and therefore immensely enjoyable track clearly coming from a group who sound as if they're feeling comfortable in their commendable talents. Along with offering some of the EP's most relatable lyrics what's most enjoyable about "Tories" is the tight interaction between each individual part of the band. Guitars connect and bounce off drums which in turn link up delightfully with bass and running alongside it all is Scott's ever brilliant and forever memorable lyricism.
As we smoothly leave the relaxed charming demeanor (not two words you'll usually find describing "Tories") of the EP's third track we are lead directly into the effective contrast of it's heaviest and finest piece of work, "Il Padrino". Evidently Weekend Debt's take on the current Glasgow council-punk scene it could have arguably been the easiest to go awry but instead is confidently steered home with a clear focus. Both the EP's most sonically pounding and emotionally effecting, "Il Padrino" brings us to a powerful finish with it's mature lyrics which are raised by killer guitar moves and punchy drum and bass. The song is the group's biggest sounding to date with a sense of grandeur and greatness emulating from the striking sonic landscape the four clearly talented individuals have constructed together along with producer Jamie Holmes.
"Living Under The Influence" is an EP that will make you want to run out and buy a Weekend Debt t-shirt to proudly wear to all your musical exploits. It comes filled with songs which appear to be hand crafted for the stages and electrified crowds of Glasgow's most prestigious music venues.
Whilst other Glasgow groups may be releasing self glorified single compilations in 2019 Weekend Debt stand tall and strong as a band flying the flag for music coming packaged in a more complete form. Their EP feels like a set of tracks that belong together and have been clearly constructed and crafted with the concept of a greater branching idea in mind. Each song is an improvement upon it's predecessor whilst also succeeding in creating four distinct tracks that come together excellently in what can be seen as Weekend Debt's most accomplished piece of work to date!
Weekend Debt are: Grant Scott, Calvin Smith, Harvey Boyle, Russel McInnes