Autonomy - Table Scraps: Album review

Garage punk isn't dead. Table Scraps have proved this point with their upcoming album, Autonomy. The record is set to be released on 23rd February via Zen Ten and I recently got the chance to have a listen to it. 

Firstly, a bit of background. Table Scraps are Scott Vincent Abbott (Guitar & Vocals), Poppy Twist (Drums & Vocals) and TJ (Bass & Vocals). According to their Bandcamp page, the Birmingham-based trio produce 'raw, dark, fuzzed out garage rock'.

Table Scraps - Photo Credit Meg Lavender

The group produce all their tracks in-house and have so far released a range of 7” singles and a LP. Autonomy was recorded in a 'very un-soundproofed' breeze block 5x5m room, which is something that certainly transcends throughout the album.

From a first listen to the album, it's clear that Table Scraps are angry. The subject of their anger is more elusive than other punk bands however, who perhaps channel their anger into politically charged lyrics. With Autonomy, the group stick to a simple set of chords combined with interesting synth effects. Lyrics are often relatively simplistic (see 'Sick of Me'), but this doesn't take away from the overall sound.

The album is made up of ten songs. With most clocking in at under the three minute mark, the result is an angsty, addictive whirlwind.

Autonomy album cover

The opening track, 'Sick of Me', was premiered back in November. The lyrics 'Are you sick, sick, sick, sick of me?' get stuck in your head pretty quickly. Of the song, Scott Vincent Abbott said: "Sick of Me is about when friendships stagnate and minor annoyance gives way to mouldering resentment. It’s dedicated to everyone just about keeping a lid on telling that one person how you really feel and cutting them loose.”

This feeling of 'just about keeping a lid on it' reflects how I feel about the album as a whole. I'd have liked to see the group completely lose control in one of the tracks. Maybe they are just calmer than me (which is commendable).

As the album races on, 'I'm a Failure' impresses with its self-deprecating lyrics. Following on, both the vocals and bass in 'Taking Out The Trash' remind me of The Black Keys. There's something about the drawn out, slightly nasal singing style which is both familiar and appealing.

Mid-album, Table Scraps take a supernatural turn. A ghostly guitar riff punctuates 'My Obsession', and then spooky synths galore make 'Frankenstein' a personal favourite.

As the final track, Do It All Over Again, fades out, you find yourself automatically wanting to play the record again. Autonomy is a fun album. It is experimental enough to win over new fans, while also sticking closely to the group's influences. The result is very hard to forget.

Interested in Table Scraps? They'll be touring the UK in February/March time:

23rd February - Foodhall, Sheffield
27th February  - Hope & Ruin, Brighton
28th February - Shacklewell Arms, London

1st March - 60MPC, Bournemouth
2nd March - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
3rd March - Old England, Bristol

Frustratingly, I already have a gig booked for 28th February (The Front Bottoms, if you're interested), so won't be able to attend the London show. Something tells me this isn't the last we'll be seeing of Table Scraps, however.

Listen to 'Sick of Me' on Soundcloud here.

In love with witches, inside by stitches: Gogol Bordello, London, 14/12/17

Where to start with Gogol Bordello? The Gypsy punk band have been touring tirelessly since 1999 and have known at least 20 members. 

Ukranian-born Eugene Hütz is the group's tenacious frontman, and other members come from Ethiopia, Russia and America - to name but a few.

Last week's Brixton Academy show was in support of Gogol Bordello's seventh studio album, Seekers and Finders. Before the Gypsy punks took to the stage, Lucky Chops, a brassy funk band from New York were charged with warming up the crowd.

Whether or not you know Gogol Bordello's music, it is impossible not to enjoy yourself during one of their live shows.

Left - Eugene Hütz, Right - Thomas Gobena

As soon as Break Into Your Higher Self started playing, the crowd was energetically jumping around. As the evening continued, this energy was simply amplified as older tracks started to be played.

Particular favourites included Alcohol and Start Wearing Purple, but songs from the new album were just as well received.

Passionate moshing continued throughout the show but, as is always the case at punk gigs, the crowd was respectful of anyone in difficulty.

Each member of Gogol Bordello is captivating to look at. Bassist Thomas Gobena has an exceptional blue beard and Sergey Ryabtsev on the fiddle reminded me of Jeremy Corbyn...

Hütz and his drum

By the end of the night, Hütz ended up crowd surfing on top of a large drum. He even invited a girl from the crowd to climb up with him.

The energy from this band is immense and incessant. It was an amazing send off to the strange year that has been 2017. If you haven't seen Gogol Bordello, make sure you do in 2018.

Bleeding things and broken guitar strings: October Drift, Oxford, 14/10/17

I found myself back at The Cellar in Oxford on Saturday night for another excellent indie rock/punk night. On the line up were Quartermelon, Easter Island Statues, October Drift, and Desperate Journalist.

There aren't many times where a supporting artist has been more engaging than the main act, but October Drift blew me away.

Hailing from Taunton, October Drift is comprised of Kiran Roy (vocals, guitar), Chris Holmes (drums), Alex Bispham (bass), and Daniel Young (guitar).

Right from the start, the quartet set the scene for a dramatic performance. Each band member adopted a certain stance, maintained it for an almost uncomfortably long time while producing an epic amount of noise, and then didn't stop moving throughout the 45 minute set.

Each band member succeeded in engaging the audience, from Daniel's haunting expression to Alex's impressive headbanging. One particular highlight was when Daniel collapsed to the floor, balancing the guitar on his knees.

Here's a little snippet of the action (filmed on my phone, then sent to everyone I know).

When Kiran took a break from energetically moving around the stage, we got the chance to focus on his vocals. I was reminded of The National's Matt Berninger - and the band list them as one of their influences.

He didn't stay still for very long, however, and he was soon climbing onto the bar. When the band are playing together, minimalistic post-punk verses happily transcend into joyous noise. I had a smile on my face throughout the entire show.

From left to right: Daniel, Chris, Kiran, Alex

Obviously I'd like to think every performer takes pride and has passion in their work, but October Drift took it to a new level. Kiran cut his fingers and broke two guitar strings during the set. Blood, sweat and tears were definitely shed during the performance. (Okay, I'm not sure about the tears).

Originally I'd intended to see post-punk Band Desperate Journalist - mainly for their great name - but I found myself so overwhelmed by October Drift's performance that I found myself 'drifting' towards the back mid-set.

Saturday night certainly taught me the lesson to arrive on time for gigs. Sometimes a support act can become your new favourite band.

And we're as happy as ducks in a storm drain: The Smith Street Band, London, 12/07/17

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, The Smith Street Band formed in 2010, originally under the name Wil Wagner and The Smith Street Band, in a nod to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. In 2011 the rock band changed its name to signify a whole-band songwriting style.

The band is currently made up of four members; Wil Wagner, Lee Hartney, Michael "Fitzy" Fitzgerald and Chris Cowburn. To celebrate the release of their 4th studio album, More Scared of You Than You Are of Me, The Smith Street Band have been touring in Europe.

I first discovered The Smith Street Band through the magic of Spotify. While stalking the band on Facebook, I came across a picture of a fan's tattoo which made reference to Ducks Fly Together, my favourite single, and realised just how much of an impact this band has on its fans.

As seems to be a trend with musicians I admire, The Smith Street Band's lyrics focus heavily on depression and heartbreak, and the intensity of the music both heightens and alleviates the sadness. There's something incredibly addictive about the band's style, and also I'm a sucker for an Australian accent.

Seeing The Smith Street Band live was an incredible experience, simultaneously exactly what I expected and 100 times more. Firstly, the venue (The Garage, Highbury Islington) was intimate, while providing enough space for dancing. They sold cider/beer in two pint glasses which certainly set the scene for the night.

Support came from Shit Present (who I unfortunately missed) and The Bennies, another Australian rock band who are slightly more punky than Smith Street. They were so energetic and got everyone ready for the evening. While waiting for The Smith Street Band to start, I noticed someone wearing a Los Campesinos! t-shirt and another with a Modern Baseball jumper. I was clearly in the right place.

The Smith Street Band!

Each song the Smithies (I'm getting more casual now) played got me more and more excited. I love loud rock music, when the crowd starts jumping and screaming together, and this is exactly what I experienced. It was beautiful.

Being conscious that I don't want to fangirl too much, I'll list some of my favourite songs for those who haven't had a chance to experience this band yet.

Calgary Girls, Forrest, Ducks Fly Together, Shine, Song For You, Passiona

I'm even more in love with The Smith Street Band than I was before, so much so that I'm considering a (permanent) trip to Australia to see them more regularly... Until then, I'll content myself with the great t-shirt I got from the show and the music.