Words by Rachael Currie
Swinging between the loud-quiet-loud sound of 80s/90s grunge and that of 00s alt-rock, LAMB not only returns London ensemble King Nun to their heavier roots, it also takes the listener on an 11-track journey through human experience and connection.
Amid smashing drums and screaming guitars, lead singer Theo Polyzoides’ determined vocals express the desire to escape the monotony of everyday life, while punchy opening tracks ‘Golden Age’ and ‘Selfish’ outline the consequences of cutting off even a part of yourself from reality.
The band refuse to be tied down to any one genre as they continue to explore the conflict between individuality and social conformity. A more melodic indie-pop style is evident in ‘Sinking Feeling’, before the previously screaming guitar – now screeching – returns in ‘OCD’, to perhaps reflect the high anxiety that accompanies all this overthinking.
‘But We Live On The Beach’, while upbeat, highlights the futile reality of escapism, before the band indulge themselves in exactly this with their instrumental penultimate track. However, this interlude is quickly forgotten as the final, titular, track suggests an optimistic rebirth; a commitment to embracing vulnerability rather than avoiding it.
By reinforcing the message that escapism and detachment holds us back from making significant emotional connections, LAMB can ultimately be considered a personal, honest album that evidences a band willing to take all the risks that come with being their authentic selves, rather than conforming to expectations.
LAMB is released on 29th September via Marshall Records. Pre-order here.
