Angus
LP1
(Self-Release)
Musical maturity is a bit different than growing up. In the real world sense, growing up usually has to do with moving on from past struggles and taking on new challenges. Musically it’s similar but the past struggles are confronted and at times embraced while entering new sonic territory. Massachusetts powerpop punks Angus have that going on with their debut release LP1 that came out on March 31. Formerly known as Christopher Leaf, this quartet has a bunch of local punk vets creating new tunes with the same emotional aesthetic.
Featuring ex-frontman and guitarist of The Young Leaves Christopher Chaisson, former Young Leaves drummer Erick Delgado, Save Ends keyboardist Brendan Cahill and bassist Sean Farrell, Angus has a sludgy tone to go with an upbeat structure. Chaisson lyrically examines romance, heartbreak and longing in genuine fashion. There’s no nonsense and no filler, each track leaves a lasting impression. Cahill’s synth skills on keyboards also meld nicely with Chaisson’s raw and amplified riffs.
Infectious harmonies are abundant in “I Can Feel It Ending (Show Me The Way)”, the chorus is catchy and stick in the mind. It also hits the nail on the head when it comes to the difficulties relationships can bring. “I Feel Horrible” is fast and up front. Cahill’s keys also add a few nice touches during the breakdowns. There’s always some sort of denial that comes with a break up and “I Don’t Believe You” brings that out while Delgado is a rhythmic dynamo on drums.
Angus will be performing at the Cambridge Elks Lodge, commonly known as The Hardcore Stadium, in Cambridge, MA on April 27 with Providence, RI punks Darklands and Twin Foxes and Boston shredders Dan Webb & The Spiders. Go to the show if you’re in the area and grab a copy of the album. It’s a heartfelt rager of a record that hit’s like a wrecking ball through a brick wall.
