Insides EP by terry malts

Since 2010 and over 2 albums and a slew of singles and tapes, Terry Malts have been exploring the murky area where hope meets disgust, an area populated with anger, hatred, exhaustion, delusion, seclusion, consumption, life, death, breathing, eating and a host of other conflicting and confusing ideas. Their records to date have a been a refreshing blast of catchy punk, pop-influenced but also chaotic, noisy, shredding. Imagine Bubba from Void sitting in with Descendents and and you're part of the way there. Fall 2013's "Nobody Realizes This Is Nowhere" was their most concise release yet - a concentrated blast of melodic bile that cast a long look at life and didn't always like what it saw.

Now Terry Malts are releasing their first new material in almost a year. The "Insides EP" might be their most "pop" record yet, but don't let that make you believe that they've given up on the blazing, verge-of-feedback guitars or pummeling rhythms. "Let You In" is classic power-pop revved up and played LOUD - a pogo party in under two minutes. "Grumpiest Old Men" is an ode to telling those damn kids to get off your lawn, showcasing guitarist Corey Cunningham on vocals. "Don't" is a stop/start thriller, dark and driving but as always sporting a melody that most pop bands would slay for. Wrapping up the EP is a fine version of New Zealand legends The Chills' "Hidden Bay," giving some insight into the varied influences that feed into Terry Malts and help explain why "pop" and "punk" don't adequately describe what they do.

mod sludge