EP Review: 0800 Belly Up

In this self-titled EP, 0800 Belly Up embrace the promise of their teaser single sounds while proving they are at their heart, punk rock. Their debut six-track release is emblazoned with foot-stomping and holler-inducing energy.

Comprised of Richard Dunn-Darvill (lead vocals, bass), Buster Clark (guitar, backing vocals) and Daniel Boyd (drums, backing vocals), this three-piece are Auckland based with members gathered from around the region.

The cover art of their EP has a blend of surreal and graphic: a reclining tattooed dragon, outlined in black and white, takes a dip in dilapidated bath, belly up, of course. Recline, and listen up, 0800 Belly Up have something excellent for you.

Dunn-Darvill throws it all at us with his vocals, nested in frantic, choppy, melodic compositions; he holds his own with his loose and strong vocal tone, especially in A Lot To Say. 0800 Belly Up cover a few bases in this pocket sized release; there’s the slowed-down cathartic vibe of Stay and the nod towards their rock influences in the pummelling shouty One Last Wish, which is my favourite. It’s that perfect yell in the dying seconds of the track for me.

Maybe it doesn’t pay to compare, but I hear the influence (and promise) of what made Arctic Monkey’s sounds so appealing. Kick Ons brings the drums forward and is the track I’d like to hear and dance to live. The penultimate Reaching For More probably has the most commercial appeal, that’s not bad. Just keep it fast and heavy now and then, it’s the frenetic punk which made me instantly like this band.