Blurring the lines between dream pop, surf rock and punk are Sydney-based trio SCK CHX. Now, the group unleash a mongrel masterpiece with their debut EP Downward Dog, officially dropping tomorrow.
The trio build their brand of “demented dream punk” from their shared experiences, creating a unique musical style drawing influences from early punk, psychedelia and new wave acts such as Joy Division, Wavves, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, The Beach Boys, The Strokes and The Ramones, among others.
SCK CHX’s Downward Dog is a harmonious pairing of dream punk and mindfulness, with eight reflective tracks to be absorbed in. Here is an album you can think to, laugh to, let loose to and wet your whistle to.
Made up of Josh Pearson (bass, vocals), Andrew Tudehope (guitar) and Matthew Digges (drums), SCK CHX have been gaining serious momentum on the local circuit, with triple j spinning all three previous singles; Stuck in the Mud, Spinning Around and Feel the Same.
Opening track Spinning Around is an injection of energy, channelling a backyard beers vibe with a side of anarchic aggression. Feel the Same reels in the vigour, with surfy backing vocals anchoring the atmosphere.
The narrative-driven Monday builds on airy guitar riffs and punchy bass lines to tap into a feeling of freedom, while Underwater rolls like well-crafted turbulence as garage punk ferocity meets a gloomy new wave sound.
The final track on the EP, Stuck in the Mud, cranks the reverb and hammers home the overarching zest of the album. Ultimately, SCK CHX have created a hard to define but nonetheless brilliant blend of genre, mayhem and thoughtfulness.
Downward Dog will be available from April 6th through Yeah Nah Yeah Records. You can catch SCK CHX at the The Botany View Hotel for their EP launch on April 13. Grab all the details here.
