It’s easy to pick up your instrumental weapon of choice and thrash out a coherent melody in the name of passion and enthusiasm for what you do. What takes more restraint – and is arguably much more impressive – is harnessing that restraint and building to a measured crescendo that takes you along every step of its gradual escalation.
That’s the musical methodology employed by Bible Club in their debut single, Mr Lizard. The Bristolian quintet – like many of their equally excellent contemporaries – have learned the art of restraint: to go all on a track from the beginning is to risk losing listeners, even if the runtime barely eclipses two minutes.
This impressive display of discipline isn’t the tracks only part of the track worth praising. Just as the track progresses, its sound ebbs and flows, too – a trait that can easily be appreciated thanks to its considered and purposeful pacing.
Beginning as something akin to a modern jazz piece with minimal drums and muted, anxiety-inducing guitar and bass riff – a concern only affirmed as distortion and confrontational vocals jump in without warning.
Image credit: Bible Club Instagram
From there, the track only grows heavier: a shoegaze-inspired wall of sound gradually breaking down into a monstrous riff with shrinks and stands tall throughout the song’s second act. As the band themselves suggest:
“We definitely took inspiration from heavier stuff – such as Slint – but were keen to mix more noisy textures inspired by post-punk and shoegaze. For the end of the track, our punk influences shone through: think our favourite punk bands, like Sonic Youth and The Fall.”
The track is a brilliant first impression for hungry listeners. And, thanks to its considered mix and timely escalation, everything is clear: something few bands producing such a hefty sound can boast. Every lyric, instrument and section of Mr Lizard can be pulled out, analysed and appreciated. It means that – when the track reaches its peak – you’re invested; and it’s all the more impactful.
The band is part of a blossoming Bristol scene right now, so don’t miss a chance to see them up close and personal. Head over to Bible Club’s Instagram to see what they’re up to next and – while you’re there – check out our very own slice of the ‘gram.