Embarrassing Games Of Catch - Tanuki
Embarrassing Games Of Catch are a three-piece suite from Ludwigsburg, Germany; though their music is in English. Incorporating elements of post-hardcore, shoegaze and noise rock, Embarrassing Games Of Catch released one hell of an impressive debut on November the 8th, 2019. Tanuki is overflowing with powerful riffs and imaginative song-writing.
While Girl Sample Clash may be a fairly standard post-hardcore opener, Canadian completely steals the show. The song rocks the energy and enthusiasm of early Unwound, while also maintaining its own personality. Despite being underground, it is perhaps one of the best post-hardcore songs ever recorded, though sadly far beyond its era. Throughout the album, the drumming throughout is sharp and vivid. The backing female vocals are an odd choice, though; while they complement some sections well, they can’t help sound like they were only implemented to encourage a sing-along crowd, which goes against the strengths of the riffs. Suffice to say, the album works best when it lets the instrumentals bounce off each other organically – not when they are the backdrop to standard verses. This can easily be observed during Heart Attacks U; the first half is bombarded with female vocals, and the songwriting is incredibly straightforward; though the fantastic second half unleashes a torment of instrumentations that’s so powerful, it completely makes up for the cliché first half. Similarly, the cathartic, instrumental climax makes up for the standard sing-along fare on the first half of The Casket.
Had Tanuki been released in the 90’s, it would have easily stood the test of time and been a staple of the genre. If Embarrassing Games Of Catch want to stand out in today’s day in age, they ought to take a note from Daughter’s You Won't Get What You Want (2018); the band should expand upon their auditory wastelands and keep expanding upon their flourishing instrumentals. The closer, Gash of Gold, only leaves the listening yearning for more. Suffice to say, Embarrassing Games Of Catch’s debut has one glaring issue – it’s too damn short.
Really Good
Listen to it here:
Embarrassing Games Of Catch - Tanuki
