I don`t know what it is about Coatbridge in Greater Glasgow but a quick look on people who have come from this town shows a who`s who of successful residents. Post–punk quartet Tijuana Bibles look like their name could soon be added to that list. The band comprise of brothers Tony Costello (vocals), and Danny Costello (bass), along with James Brannigan (guitar) and Mikey Dornan (drums). Tijuana Bibles were palm-sized erotic comics produced in the United States from the 1920s to the early 1960s. Their popularity peaked during the Great Depression era so maybe this is where their intriguing name came from. They release their debut album `Free Milk` this month which touches on themes of frustration, anxiety and isolation and also takes aim at the political glitterati.
The album opens with ‘Stateless’ which according to vocalist/guitarist Tony Costello is about “denouncing the arrogant triumphalism and flag-waving of so-called Captains Of Industry, it’s a show of defiance but above all else, this is a celebration of our – the ordinary – collective power.” It`s a pretty brutal introduction with screaming vocals shared over a pounding drumbeat and powerful crashing guitar riffs. Welcome to Tijuana Bibles. We have in `Pariah` a tale of an outsider, a narrative gifted almost remotely over a throbbing, guiding bass line with guitar riffs splashed about. A track for me that hinted at the stuff Arctic Monkeys did in their formative years.
`Three is a Cult` has more of a punk vibe about it with some wonderfully intricate wordplay offered atop a racing soundscape that veers from an aural assault to a more considered reverie before fading out. “That one amazing night – a fleeting moment in time where people share the same intangible experience. Energy washing over, transporting you to a far off planet. 24 hours in one second – free from everything. But with guitars… for about three minutes!” This is how the band describe `The Wave` which again has rapidly shared lyrics over a really melodic and compelling musical underbelly.
`Architect` is a pretty thoughtful number where the story teller appears to be a pretty unsavoury character, but it may well be a metaphor of a deeper reflection on society. The variety and depth of Tony`s vocal range are clearly highlighted on this submission. Title track `Free Milk` veers between reflection and resentment on this enticing political tinged offering.
`Unknown`, the band confer “is a bittersweet lament about losing a friend, a relationship ending, or growing apart from someone close to you. Reminiscing and wondering if they are still out there, somewhere, and what might’ve been if things were different – all part of the great unknown.” A mid-tempo fairly melodic engrossing listen. We have in `Human Touch` a song about withdrawal from civilisation nigh on being disengaged from humankind. Although it`s a fairly bleak outlook on society, the repeated chorus of “Human Touch” enters your psyche and will have you mumbling it long after the number has finished.
`Mothman` had a really edgy feel to it with vocals that seemed full of anxiety splayed over some at times distorted guitar chord riffs and a pounding tribal drumbeat, almost goth like in sound. In West Virginian folklore, the Mothman is a humanoid creature reportedly seen in the Point Pleasant area from November 15, 1966, to December 15, 1967, so maybe this is where the inspiration came from. There`s a kind of slow burn primeval feel to `Slip into the Leather` which I don’t think is about sadomasochism but more about the dangers of mass manipulation.
`Billionairhead` is a further nervy composition which has moments musically that almost curve into heavy metal with vocals that become fairly troubled and uneasy. The album closes out with `Pill` which is another stop start number that is full of apprehension and tension with vocals that are almost howled at times.
`Free Milk` is a wonderfully intense forty minutes of edgy post punk where you think you know where it`s going but, then it heads off somewhere else entirely. A real adrenaline come head rush at times.
For me, this album and band would sit easily or maybe uneasily alongside rhythmic post-punk and hardcore acts such as TV Priest, Yard Act, Idles, and Heavy Lungs.
Rating 9 /10
