Muncie Girls – Fixed Ideals
In a time of seismic change, political turmoil and rollercoaster national pride, Muncie Girls remain a much-needed constant
It’s been two years since Exeter trio Muncie Girls released their debut, From Caplan to Belsize – a record that bagged the band a nomination for Best British Newcomer at the 2016 Kerrang! Awards, and with good reason. Because in a time of seismic change, political turmoil and rollercoaster national pride, Muncie Girls remain a much-needed constant.
From mental health to mass consumption, vocalist and bassist Lande Hekt has a lot to say on follow-up record Fixed Ideals. Those who missed the pounding bass drum trills and power chord perfection from Paramore’s last effort (same) will delight in the protest punk march of Jeremy. It’s a sucker-punch of an opener with a confident cuss towards the patriarchy: 'I’m so angry / I’m going to get a tattoo that says Fuck Jeremy Clarkson, and fuck you too.'
It’s a fair old trek from the South coast to Wales but there’s Los Campesinos-esque tinkering keys and cheer in Isn’t Life Funny, and the legacy sounds of much-missed art punks Dananananaykroyd in buoyant thrasher Fig Tree. Drummer Luke Ellis is a real force across this whole record and it’s important to talk about the brilliant backline. Full Garth-in-a-drum-store clattering greatness is the bedrock of In Between Bands’ chorus (an ode to The Cavern which burnt down whilst the band were demoing this record) and so much of their output, which keeps Hekt’s blissful melodies tight and sharp throughout.
But it’s not all headbanging and blistering hooks. Penultimate track Hangovers plays with the classic album construct of a stripped-back number, yet it’s really in the nostalgic nod to emo heartache where Muncie Girls dazzle. Family of Four soars the record to a close with the fist-pumping defiance of our youth that never grows old.
Listen to: Jeremy, Fig Tree, In Between Bands