Atomic Drag (aka Northern Ireland based multi-instrumentalist Lee McDaid) has released new EP, Rave from the Grave. It’s the first since joining the Black Tragick Records roster last year. Featuring four short, sharp shocks of instrumental Surf Punk, the EP draws inspiration from mythical cryptids, the undead, and B-movie sleaze king, Russ Meyer. Following on from a 2023 split EP with future label mate Peng Weng, McDaid’s range of influences for the new release ranges from Pixies, Big Black and The Cure to Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet and the classic 60’s surf bands. McDaid shares the following on new EP Rave from the Grave:
“These four new tracks have a harder edge to them. I wanted to streamline my recording process and keep them as raw sounding as possible.”
Opener ‘Rave from the Grave’ is a hooky twangy guitar-led slice of Cramps style mischief. It oozes a sense of teetering on the edge, about to explode into energy thus a perfect beginning to the EP as the listener already knows there is more to come.
“Back to the animalistic” are the spoken words to start ‘Dogman Vs. Dobhar – Chú’, which ups the pace significantly. This canters along, a thrilling 2 minutes of scratchy surf punk, all echoey guitar riffs with a wild vibe which only increases in intensity as it travels, ending with thumping drums. ‘Once a Dead Man….’ re-enters the gothic vibe with a more measured pace which allows the guitars to fully expressed themselves. Add in a layer of quivering tamborine percussion and the picture is set.
Final track ‘Beyond The Valley Of The Drag’ is the most exuberant on the EP. The guitars again produce hooks which lodge in the ear. Shivering and shuddering notes produce a thrilling couple of minutes. The not quite decipherable vocal in the distant background add to the intensity and mystery of it all.
On Rave from the Grave McDaid shares:
“Ridiculous riffs, stupid song titles and schlocky, B-movie inspired fun is what it’s all about.”
Mission Accomplished.
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