by Zuzu Lacey (@zu.lacey)
Power-driven and reckless at its core, Upchuck’s newest album Bite The Hand That Feeds demands listener attention. The Atlanta based post-punk group bring listeners through a fluid and twisted but expressive journey. With production from Ty Segall, distortion and garage-rock attentively weave their way into Upchuck’s unique sound. Upchuck convey the necessity and urgency of speaking your truth with this triumph.
Lead vocalist KT’s vocals seep with anger, often touching on a multitude of political and lived topics which could not be more relevant to present day. She taps into the complexities and nuances of modern life through captivating storytelling and biting vocals, gnawing at boundaries both sonically and politically. Unable to be confined to any one particular genre, Upchuck shift with ease between softer rock like “Crashing” and hard hitting dramas like “Shaken”. Consider Bite The Hand That Feeds a testament to owning and being a freak, with disregard for those who don’t understand.
The transportive opener “Freaky” is charged and ultra-focused. A sense of tenseness lingers, paired with Upchuck’s self-proclaimed freaky and goofy nature. As the starting point for this record, the song sets a tone of self-assuredness in its hyper groove. It contains a steady upbeat tone, asserting itself with no mercy or refusal to hold back. Upchuck’s charming sound in this track runs deep through their punk roots, with uplift and repetition as a driving force. “Freaky” is drenched in desire with tight and catchy guitar. This lead single is sharp-edged and tough, yet still makes you want to dance.
Deemed one of the garage-rock scene’s finest, iconic and prolific artist Ty Segall brings a distinct energy to the album, fueling their simultaneously upbeat yet distorted sound. Having toured with Segall’s band Fuzz in early 2022, the sweet mesh between producer and band on this record is obvious. Bite The Hand That Feeds feels dense with memorable moments, as off-centre as it is surprisingly warm. With Segall’s production, Upchuck combine post-punk and elements of hardcore with a tone close to garage-rock.
Like trudging through thick mud, many riffs like that of “Toothless” creep up on you with a doom metal influence kicking in. Upchuck’s album oozes with a justified anger as well as a quality of intrigue and enthusiasm. Ominous and striking vocals are complimented throughout the record’s entirety by punchy and refined guitar. Track for track, Upchuck bring bags of character, a cheekiness peeking out in certain moments, as well as a more serious social commentary in others. As for the future of modern post-punk, they should be deemed one to watch.
Packed into a hot half hour, Bite The Hand That Feeds declares Upchuck as raw and cool as ever. Being their second full-length album, this presents a more polished but still sharp edge. Bite The Hand That Feeds unwraps and reveals new peaks for the group, relentless and captivating in all ways. Having bitten the hand that feeds, this record leaves us hungry for more.