- Music
- 08 Apr 21
Dublin outfit Strangers With Guns sonically recalls the '90s aesthetic of dirty rock and grunge, along the lines of Melvins, TAD, Mudhoney and Rollins Band.
Dublin-based grunge band Strangers With Guns have shared a heavy new track with Hot Press ahead of their forthcoming EP, titled 'F**k the American Dream'.
The trio's 'How's Your Ma, Is Your Da Working' EP is a light-hearted effort from the playful group, who rarely take themselves too seriously. Paul Rennick, Jeff Crosdale and Rick Wright complete the chemistry-filled line-up of lads, whose previous EP 'Disenfranchised Fetus' landed just prior to COVID.
"It's an angry song for angry people," band member Crosdale says of the new track.
"It's music for people who struggle to not jump in the Liffey every time they walk past it, capturing that feeling of not being in control and just along for the ride and at the mercy of whatever the universe decides for you. A lot of things in life are just about being in the right place at the right time. The track also somewhat rails against the idea the goal should just be a 9 to 5 job, two kids and a house. I can't buy into that 'pay your taxes and be quiet' mindset at all, personally."
Listening to Strangers With Guns distinctly feels as though you've just elbowed your way into the throng at a live show, embracing their rowdy nature with heart.
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Wielding thick bluesy riffs, punk-inspired swagger, and tongue-in-cheek lyricism delivered in a nonchalant tone, Strangers With Guns thrive by using their personality to get ahead.
Despite only forming in January 2019, the outfit played a hectic schedule right from the beginning; playing multiple dates in Limerick, Cork, Bangor, Donegal, Wexford and Waterford. In August 2019, the band released their debut album Degenerate Art, which saw four tracks receiving national airplay on 98FM despite their heavier nature. Legendary Republic Of Loose frontman Mik Pyro even lent his vocals for Strangers With Guns's debut single, 'Monkey King'. Despite the pandemic sidelining their touring, the group have been focusing on building up their streams and YouTube subscribers.
Landing just three days of studio time to record an EP last December, 'How's Your Ma, Is Your Da Working' will arrive soon, ready to make a mark. The band are already planning dates for the coming autumn and winter seasons after releasing their charity single 'Hold On' earlier this year, with all proceeds going towards Pieta House.
Asked about the grunge scene in Ireland, Jeff expressed the freedom given to the band within the small community.
"It's tiny, but it allows us to play with bands like Cherym and Soap Girls because we cover a lot of sounds on the debut album and can alter our set depending on the crowd or collaborators."
"In terms of the '90s grunge type of sound we feel we carry,; ourselves, fangclub, Vulpynes, Turfboy might fit that label. A lot of people consider the genre to be finished, but our numbers show that unsigned DIY sounding bands have a place in the music industry and should be noticed."
Listen to 'F**k the American Dream' below: