Source: Album Artwork
Surrey alt-rockers Chisel Beeches have dropped their second EP in eight months, Last In, First Out. The EP follows April’s In A Week, On A Whim seamlessly, stitching together what may well have been two halves of their debut album.
Like its predecessor, Last In, First Out is somewhat of a genre chameleon. The EP strikes a balance between alt. rock and pop-punk that’s ever-popular with younger bands.
Penultimate track ‘V.I.P’ tackles the perils of first love in a way young pop-punk has become synonymous with.The band have structured the themes and sound of their tracks to work well together, with ‘Never Know’ and ‘You Know I’m Right’ telling two sides of the same rocky story. The EP is short, snappy, and anecdotal in an endearing way.
Last In, First Out is a smooth follow on from their earlier EP In A Week, On A Whim. The band have an easy explanation for why: “Whereas In A Week, On A Whim was about our awkward coming of age stories, Last In, First Out is about being thrown in the deep end of adult life.”
If Chisel Beeches were trying to transform their teenage perspective into an adult’s in the 8 months between their releases, Last In, First Out isn’t a complete success. The EP is deeply preoccupied with relationships and sex, and the lyrics consequently lack maturity. The band have created another EP about the frivolities of being young, but that’s not to say Last In, First Out isn’t effective. Guitarists Steve McDonagh and Chad Bidwell litter the EP with impressive riffs and solos, adding enviable depth to ‘Never Know’ and ‘You Know I’m Right’.
These layered, intense tracks are Chisel Beeches at their best. ‘You Know I’m Right’ is lyrically and stylistically unique, but still remains stubbornly alt-rock at heart. Last In, First Out might not be perfect, but it has marked Chisel Beeches as one to watch in British rock.
