When aboynamedblu and his co-producer Cat Gallent decided it was time to pen the next EP – their third in under a year – they headed out of the city in favour of a farm (and nine dogs) and brought 404 USER NOT FOUND to life the peace and quiet.
The title of the project is really a middle finger to the content-driven role social media plays in our connection to others. Really, it’s about deleting the account, disconnecting from the network, and forging real relationships in this world. Pretty wholesome. And it’s a message they drive home with a punchy, formidable sound.
These guys have crafted a nuanced, dynamic and revelationary strain of rollicking genre – taking its cues from indie-pop, grunge-rock and a whole lot of ’90’s tropes. The sort that’s bred to get your teeth into – and also, occasionally for an early ’00s British romcom. And, as much praise as we’ve heaped on aboynamedblu up until now, we’re about to dish out a little more.
Driving, visceral, percussive rhythm permeates this EP. From the heady bass and pillowy vocals which kick things off on “You Don’t Cry Enough”, to the clacking beat which punches through the polka-dot synth of “Fenced Off”.
“Bending” plucks at your heartstrings for a second, with the luring acoustic ballad intro, before it manifests into a roaring, chaotic psych-rock close – while “In The City You Died” actually delivers the feathery, minimalist sentimentalities.
But it’s closer “Charismatic Lad” – as chaotic, dark, and knife-sharp as you weren’t expecting – that leaves you reeling at the end of this EP – in a good way way. A very good way. And all I want to know now, is where the hell can we see these guys live?
Feature pic supplied by artist
