Friday, 20 March 2020

Activity - Unmask Whoever


Debut album from New York four piece available from Western Vinyl on 27th March 

Formed a year ago in NYC, Activity, the four piece comprise of Travis Johnson (vocals), Steve Levine (drummer), Zoe Browne (bassist) and Jess Rees (guitarist)

Attention to this avant garde foursome came about with the release of lead single 'Calls Your Name' with a corresponding video that is both hypnotic and unsettling.


Yet this band have made music that while being harsh on the exterior and the sort of unrelenting indie rock powered by bass lines, there is an accessibility that comes to the surface once you listen to the album.

The hypnotic power of the lead single is matched by second track 'Earth Angel' - embracing the power of the individual and bringing that to the fore with lyrical themes of paranoia clashing with the current fragility of the person in this mad mad world.


'Nude Prince' the last single before the album release is one of those stay with you songs that is both pulsating and mesmeric, bringing a throbbing art rock beat to the party - the perfect marriage of aloof lyrics and synth beauty.

The band are this finally balanced four piece of two males and two females, an avant garde rallying call to arms from the conventions of indie rock to mark this new breed of current dystopia - paranoid lyrics and flawed humanity in musical form.

A band who are an amalgam of various forms have created an album inspired by literature, music and current events to make an album that is wholly unique and coherent. At times subtle and radiant, proud but buoyant this is a work that will be spoken of for end of years lists.

Unmask Whoever is released from Western Vinyl on all formats from March 27th.

My thanks to One Beat PR for the review opportunity.

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