Everything's Fucked is the début album of the post-punk, grunge, noise band Arrows of Love that follows several works such as the singles Conspiracy Podcast (2012), Honey (2012) and Song One (2011).
The London based alternative quintet - composed by Nima Teranchi, Lyndsey Critchley, Mike Frank, Nuha Ruby Ra and Rufus Miller - is already well known for their live shows; the energy they display on stage and their speedy transition between songs. Recently the band signed to London Punk label 1-2-3-4 Records that is going to release the band's début. Everything's Fucked was self-recorded almost entirely in singer Teranchi's basement and mastered by the legendary producer Bob Weston of the band Shellac.
Everything's Fucked contains 11 tracks and in a running time of about 35 minutes brings the listeners in to a spiral of sounds made of so many changes of pace, fused with a soaring, enviable energy, looped guitar riffs, electric riffs, brutish drums and spectacular vocals, all mash together into a warm and occasionally dazzling torrent.
The opener 'Honey' starts relatively slow before exploding in a immense wall of sounds, grisly guitar noises and glistening melodies. That wall of sounds continue with no rest in the following 'Suck' and 'Prescriptions'.
The album changes its mood with the softer 'The Knife' that has a nice instrumental start with a slow, simple drum beat. When Nima Teranchi’s vocals enter into the song they become an additional instrument. The execution is brilliant, as also the interplay between the two singers, and the rhythm is soft but keeps you on the move. It's at the third minute that the song explodes into life, creating the power and the sound that you’d expect from a band with three guitarists.
All the sounds you have listened from the opening track it's like the calm before the storm because 'Real Friends' is a cosmic explosion that gives no rest to the listeners. It's like being in a flurry with no exit. It’s short and energetic, but razor sharp and catchy.
Listening to Everything's Fucked you'll notice that these guys go beyond each boundary creating a mix of sounds that goes from post punk, grunge, rock to psychedelic rock. At times you wonder if this is an album or an all-you-can-eat Americana buffet.
I particularly like the rhythm changes of 'Conspiracy Podcast' and its instrumental intensity. The thread line is the propulsive drumming that creates memorable drum "riffs" rather than just beats. 'Profiteer' is again the proof that Arrows of Love are free to craft their songs in any direction — with a woody bass, bells, driving guitar, all taking turns driving the songs.
'Addict' starts with a slow, simple drum beat that is soon intertwined with a deep, murmuring bass line. Building and building into a cacophony of sound. It’s a great track.
The open air created by the fuzz guitars and phasing, analog keyboards, and cavernous drums in 'Illusionist' is considerably appealing and the melody of the closing 'Ships' is beautifully surprising. 'Ship' is a short – about two minute length– and soft ballade whit a sublime alternation between Teranchi's voice and the guitar.
The last tune gives a soft touch to an album that is an incredible ride among a wide range of sounds prooving the talent of these guys that continue to surprise with their alternative rock.
Just play Everything's Fucked now, and play it loud.
