You know you had an eventful year when it is October and you finally got to write that review for a May release. I wish I had more time in a day (which music journo would not love to live on a planet offering you 48 hours of daylight!?) to give this record a proper listen much earlier, but in a way I am happy that I decided not to rush it. BCOS RSN debut album is a demanding record and it is better to put some time away for a proper listening session. Do not get me wrong – it is perfectly fine to have it on repeat in the background, while you go about your day. I know many people consume music that way and the record will still give you plenty of joy and satisfaction. But just for the sake of this review – think of an album as a treat. Like a good, long bath or a dish you really like. Good energizing shower or a quick snack in the town do have their appeal but it`s just not the same as when you actually have time and place to savour every detail. And if you have that half an hour to give BCOS RSNS justice, please grab your headphones, lie on the couch and press play.
Album cover
Official bio: Fronted by Abi Brady, and consisting of Carl Farrugia (adults), Jennifer Denitto (Lemonade Sin) and Matt Wheeler, London-based post-punks BCOS RSNS are excited to be releasing their debut album, following the fuzzy energy of catchy singles “(First On At The) Buffalo Bar” and “Turn It Off”. With themes ranging from more broad topics such as conspiracy theories and the rapid closure of independent music venues to reflections about setting the world to rights with friends, heartbreak and personal experiences of transphobia, it showcases BCOS RSN’s wonky charm and ability to address poignant issues with a subtle tongue-in-cheek wit. Exuding a raw ‘90s-tinged musicality and uptempo energy throughout, it offers a catchy collection of lilting indie anthems from your new favourite band.
BCOS RSNS is not an usual project we would feature on Indieterria. For starters, members of the band could be parents to most of the acts we write about. They are also a supergroup, albeit an underground one, consisting of members of adults (Carl Farrugia), Lemonade Sin (Jennifer Denitto) and incorporating seasoned London musicians such as Matt Wheeler on bass. The front woman Abigail Brady is an award winning software engineer, musician and writer. I could swear, she was also briefly in the TV series “Thamesmeerd”, but I may be wrong. Either way, Abi is a woman that does more in a week than most people in their lives. And when a group like that gets together, usually the results are more than just interesting.
BCOS RSNS will take you on a walk on the wild side that`s for sure. I have been listening to this record a few times now and I have real trouble with deciding what genre to put it under. Should we say post punk or maybe lo fi alternative rock? Does psychedelia apply or can we settle on avantgarde? The band seems to effortlessly jump from one style to another. On “Revolution” they take inspiration from The Replicants, on “I Will Continue” they get close to The Frogs. “Living With Ghosts” could have been a track from The Names` “Monsters Next Door” album and “Unkind” (one of the best tracks in my opinion) channels the chaotic genius of The Fall. And then of course comes the catchy “(First On At The) Buffalo Bar” a song that is both punky and poppy and radio friendly. The anthem for grass roots venues that struggle for survival is a fan favourite. It can be described as Talking Heads meets Richard Hell, with added charm of Chrisie Hynde. This song is deliberately optimistic and will make you want to attend a local gig. And of course you should go, support your local indie venue before developers get to it and turn it into student flats.
Picture by Don Blandford
Abigail Brady delivers her songs in a nonchalant manner, casual and unconcerned, sometimes like she was reporting the events for the BBC Newsnight. And yet there is something in her voice that commands respect. You feel certain wisdom in her singing, she has been around the block a few times and seen a fair share of life`s ups and downs. Like in blues, you cannot deliver unless you live a full and varied life. Abigail is able to express a wide range of emotions from despair to happiness and everything in between. I found it very interesting that Abigail considered pursuing music seriously only during the pandemic, both as a guitarist and a leader of a band. I`m very glad she did as she brings authenticity to the music scene oversaturated with pop idols.
I will spare you a sermon in this place but the more queers, trans, non binary people, older musicians, disabled folks, foreign talents on the circuit, the better it seems to get. Almost as if diversity and equality raise the quality of music for everyone.
“BCOS RSNS” was recorded by Sam Hogg at Dean Street Studios in July 2023. It was mixed by Micky Ciccone (Art Brut, Ciccone) and produced by Keith Top Of The Pops (seriously do look him up if you are not familiar with the name, Keith is a true character and a soul of the London punk circuit). On occasion I wished the album was more polished but I do get the appeal of rough round the edges records. Not everything has to be sugar coated, sometimes things work because they are having little flaws here and there. I get the feeling this album will be a companion and a good friend to a lot of people, so if you are looking for eclectic and ambitious music, this one’s for you.
You can follow the band on socials:
https://bcosrsns.com
https://www.facebook.com/bcosrsns
https://www.instagram.com/bcosrsns
https://x.com/bcosrsns
https://soundcloud.com/bcosrsns
https://www.youtube.com/@bcosrsns
ttps://bcosrsns.bandcamp.com/album/bcos-rsns
https://open.spotify.com/artist/14Wbay81qz1LMmVvlkQUHZ
Additional readings:
https://www.backseatmafia.com/meet-bcos-rsns-london-purveyors-of-post-punk/
https://getinherears.com/2024/06/06/album-bcos-rsns-bcos-rsns/
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 