EP Review: Fuelling My Rage

3-Piece Punk Rockers Sit Down in Front have been consistently cranking out music and gigging nationally since they began in 2017. With two full length albums, a slew of charting radio singles and music videos as well as an impressive gigging resume, they have been making their mark, leaving their statement and creating a solid body of straight up punk hits ever since.

For three young Kiwi lads, they write well above their years and their tongue and cheek humour mixed with political and social commentary gives them an edge and leaves an impressive charm. Having released two singles in year two of the pandemic (never an easy feat) the momentum built for this new EP is charged and is setting the stage for what will be an epic year of NZ music. Fuelling My Rage will be fueling your ears with 5 stand out tracks of punk rock rage.

Their new EP begins with the 2021 single Don’t Drink Bleach. The title alone stirs and trumps the pot and is an explosive start to lure you in. While carrying the traditional punk formula, Person of Interest adds hints of experimentation with off grooves, sneaky speedy bass lines and a full-bore guitar solo courtesy of Jackson Clarke. And then in a massive twist the song ends with a beautiful piano piece, showcasing their experimentation further. Cory Newman’s vocal delivery is that of a punk poet story teller like Tim Armstrong or Joe Strummer. There is clarity in his yelled but clean vocal delivery, there’s aggression but it’s fun with a powerful message.

Pixie Caramel is a classic slice of Kiwiana packaged into a groovy rock party banger complete with psychedelic synth and guitars, smooth as hell bass licks and lyrics that take you back to after school dairy visits. The guest feature from Kiwi legend Tiki Tanne elevates the song even further, with a half time drop and rap, this song has it all. Stage carries a solid groove, with standout drum fills. There’s a more classic rock and roll feel to it and the anthemic Kiss like guitar leads are a highlight. Taking Out The Trash is the heaviest track on the EP, with the hardcore, frantic double kick stylings of Rikki Noble locked into Clarke’s guitars. The all out riot gang vocals and the dark atmospheric synth really take this song to another level.

The production is first class courtesy of legendary producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers/Devilskin), crisp with every instrument mixed perfectly, the drums pop, the guitars are well layered and the addition of the synths in certain songs do add a more cinematic feel. The gang vocals are ceremonious and could be sung throughout every pub and outdoor event by anyone wanting to rock out.

This EP is another big step Sit Down in Front. The songs are short and sweet but carry a lot of weight musically and lyrically. Any of these songs could be a singles, hooky and chanting choruses, there is still a punk approach and aggression but its layered with melody, well written and structured ideas.