Partisan Records newcomers Pottery’s debut album ‘Welcome to Bobby’s Motel’ drops on June 26th.
Having only heard one song from Pottery (Hot Like Jungle) I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with this album. What I was met with was an album packed with energetic tracks driven by drums, bass, cowbell hits, and strong vocals.
The album starts as it means to go on, with the high-tempo title track Welcome to Bobby’s Motel. The nature of the album is foreshadowed here, as it switches between frantic drums and slower guitar riffs. This then leads into Hot Heater, where the funky rhythm and bass heavy tones are cemented as the driving force of the album.
One of the stand out tracks for me was Reflection, which sets a slightly slower pace and allows the vocals of Austin Boylan to shine through, in a style reminiscent of bands such as Talking Heads, The Smiths and Joy Division. This comparison can be drawn across the entire album, with many elements of post-punk and new wave artists to be found, along with funky vibes along the lines of bands such as Happy Mondays. A darker shift in the instrumental on this track creates a tense atmosphere, compared to the incredible, upbeat energy that flows through most of the album.
After this track, the album again explodes into life with Texas Drums Pt I & II, which is probably the best song on the album in my opinion. It’s not exactly blessed with incredible lyrics “DRUMS! DRUMS! DRUMS! DRUMS!”, but the relentless energy created by the drums and bass, along with the use of cowbell hits, creates an incredible instrumental to compliment the chant-like vocals. This combination makes for a track that is bound to have you pumped up.
As a whole, I really enjoyed this album. For any of you who are bored in lockdown and looking for new music to keep you occupied, give Pottery a try. This fun, upbeat, and energetic album is what we need more of in the world right now during this shit time.
6.5/10
Check out Pottery here: https://t.co/g2kq1vWffW?amp=1
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