STANLEY SUPER 800’S first single for the Sofa label is predominantly for promotional purposes and serves as a taster for the band’s in-the-works second album, but it certainly deserves wider exposure as it’s yet another reminder of why SS800 are building up a reputation as one of Ireland’s very best independent rock bands.
If you’ve been tuning in round here for any length of time, you’ll be well aware that W&H concur with this line of thinking and “Gatecrashing” again can only enhance their standing. Previous single/ lead EP track “It’s All Over Now” remains a truly classic single and surely the most exhilarating anthem about ending it all ever written, but “Gatecrashing” is soon coming up on the rails. Powered along by Flor’s driving, Ramones-style bassline and some crisp drumming, it’s very much SS800 in radio-munching pop form, taking in handclaps, Stan’s vivid 24 hour party people storyline (“the traffic’s beginning to flow, the sun’s coming up, but we don’t cast no shadow”) and the best trumpet solo this side of Chumbawamba.
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The additional tracks continue on in the Stans’ committed, pigeonhole-dodging way and are pretty damn cool too. “Stars Come Out” revisits the band’s techno roots with its’ monster drums and overloading, Chemical Brothers-style basslines, while the sublime “Dark Angel” – a current live favourite – might just be the most elegant thing the band have laid down to date, with Dave and Flor holding down a restrained backbeat and Stan and Tosh’s guitars intertwining beautifully.
The second album promises much, but let’s take our time and savour this one first. Stanley Super 800 are developing into a seriously classy outfit and “Gatecrashing” is the sound of the coolest indie party around. Make sure you don’t get turned away.
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