The ‘Amortise’ EP released this month is the solo release from Maeve-Molly McKernan who along with Kaz Millar are the raw and energetic punk / garage rock duo Vulpynes. The songs on this four-track extended play were penned over the past few years and reflect a different side of Molly that didn’t quite align with her previous musical projects. Tired of being pigeonholed as the “angry shouty girl,” Molly sought a change of pace. She used this solo record as an opportunity to express a different side.
`Dead In The Water` kicks us off and it`s a wonderfully rhythmic slice of kind of retro garage rock that appears to be a “kiss off” to a previous partner come lover. There was a delightfully pounding drum pulse throughout with bass and guitar riffs driving this number along. There`s a rolling, racing drum beat to `Romantic` with vocals that are so enticing floated in and around that had a kind of vulnerability that reminded me of Debbie Harry circa 1978`s `Denis`.
`Nothing Fills` has an almost belligerent, indignant feel or attitude about it. There`s a kind of impatience or weariness about the vocals delivered over a fairly fast paced backing with a tambourine being shook throughout. This extended play closes out with `Inertia Right Hand Man` which is fairly stripped back with an echoey guitar and vocals. There a sense of despair and anguish shared throughout this submission.
On `Amortise`, Meryl Streek takes charge of the drums and beats, bass duties are undertaken by Tony Carberry, known for his work with the Lee Harveys, while the track ‘Dead in the Water ‘features the talents of Peter Jones from Paranoid Visions.
Molly`s aim on `Amortise` was to prove that she didn’t want to be categorised as just an “angry shouty girl” and for me, these objectives have been achieved and so much more. Molly has a rich and varied vocal range and four tracks only just whets the appetite. Hopefully, there`s much more to come from this talented singer – songwriter.
Rating 8.5/10
