EP Review: Chain Link

The latest EP from Tempo 38 titled Chain Link serves up their unique brand of punk just the way I like it! Short, direct, and anything but sweet.

The lyrical content harks back to punk legends such as the Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols and Pennywise who had no qualms about using the platform to highlight hypocrisy or corruption within government and society.

The musical composition is fascinating. The band has created their own signature dynamic bridges or pre-choruses as well as sublimely astute segues between genres throughout the progression of the songs.

Chain Link follows the release of the full album Won’t Break Me which was released in 2024 when the band returned after a long hiatus. Their latest offering is true to their roots although with a little added sophistication. It’s a reminder of the 80’s sunset strip sound paired with heavy stoner grooves and the early 2000’s punk movement. Listening to the recording evoked nostalgia in me for bands such as Shotgun Alley or Skid Row during their Slave to the Grind era.

Opening track Deep State launches straight into the bands no-holds-barred approach to making music. It’s intense and in-your-face with some well-crafted surprises like a harmonic group yell reminiscent of Supergroove. Matt Parry’s raging vocals, which include his own unique take on using vocal fry send chills down my spine. There are some deep questions and ideas pondered in the lyrics such as “Who puts the price on freedom” or “Your mind is a weapon so blow yourself away.”

A ride cymbal calls in the wild intro to Poison The Resolution which is akin to the beginning of Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n’ Roses. There is a delectable juxtaposition between Matt’s signature angry snarls alternating with melodic harmonies from Alec Withers and Jamie Derbidge. To top it all off this song has everything! It frolics articulately between many musical styles, shifting the mood eloquently along the way.

Code of Silence maintains the intensity and then the last track takes me utterly by surprise. These fellas are very clever! They have crafted the perfect yet unexpected ending in Estado Profundo which translates to deep state. It’s a full circle conclusion to an elegantly unpredictable EP.