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Merging the deft songcraft of The Menzingers with the grungy licks of Violent Soho and the buzz saw thrash of DZ Deathrays, Brisbane duo Walken deliver catchy alt rock on latest single Even If It Kills Me.
With some thick riffs and a maturing approach to songwriting, Brisbane duo Walken are breaking out into a sprint with Even If It Kills Me.
Comprised of drummer Joe Daley and vocalist / guitarist Matt Jamez the duo formed early in 2014. Wasting little time the boys dropped their debut EP and follow-up single The Great Noise the same year. While relative newcomers to the music scene the pair have also been quick to establish a live presence touring alongside Aussie contemporaries The Peep Tempel, Hard-Ons, Clowns, and The Smith Street Band. The group has also supported international punk acts Andrew Jackson Jihad and Iron Chic. Laid down at The Shed recording studios, Even If It Kills Me was produced, mixed and mastered under the auspices of Bryce Moorhead who also worked on the 2013 Soho album Hungry Ghost and latest single Like Soda.
Channelling some of the electricity of the pair’s live act Even If It Kills Me’s adrenaline fuelled riffs and pummelling rhythm section reinforce its heart on sleeve lyrics. Focusing on overcoming the challenges of a failed interpersonal relationship the song begins with listless resignation but quickly builds in intensity. Jamez’s emotive lyrics vent the frustration and angst of a relationship gone wrong before ultimately reasserting a need to forge new beginnings with closing lines “Just know I’m sorry / I had to do this.”
Fans of the group’s previous work might note that Walken’s latest is a little less of a sonic assault than their more bombastic tracks The Great Noise and This One’s Like A Summer Guy. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Scaling back the full throttle barrage of sound Walken have instead focused on instilling some more melodic and emotive elements into their signature sound. This said no matter how sombre the subject matter Walken’s party ready attitude seems to seep through in whatever they record, so even at its most subdued Even If It Kills Me bristles with restless energy.
Continuing to hit the ground at full pelt, Walken’s earnest songwritng and electric riffs are quickly solidifying the Brisbane locals’ reputation as a formidable alt rock act. For those looking to catch a glimpse of the duo in action, Walken will be playing the closing dates of their Skate With a Mate Tour alongside fellow shred heads Kaleidoscope on Friday 23rd October at Melbourne’s The Tote and Saturday 24th October at Musicman Megastore in Bendigo.
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