Man, I did not realise I was missing music I could just jump up and down to until I listened to the self titled EP by The Shunkos.
The 5 piece from Port Talbot, Wales have brought a distinct Brit punk sound that gives me vibes of a refined, pumped version of the Sex Pistols that I feel is less angry and hostile towards “The Man” and a little more fun and f’ you.
“Uni Mate” is a 1 minute and 28 second thrasher delight. Fast, furious, and in your face. This is the song that shoves you into the most pit or bounce pit.
The bouncing does not stop with “Meal Deal”. This is a bopper of a tune that gives me heavy surf guitar vibes like that of Dick Dale. The opening riff is slick and catchy and the drums are infectious.
But it’s the 1 minute and 44 seconds song, “Depop Dan” that is my stand out winner with its deep bass opening. Like “Uni Mate”, the song is fast and in your face but it also has a snappy head swaying chorus and just as you’re getting into the groove the song ends.
The guitars in “83” are crunchy, belligerent and the vocals are the angriest of all the songs. This song ticks off all the punk essentials for me – fast tempos and straightforward melodies. You don’t need much more than that.
The longest song of The Shunkos EP is the last track. “Beer & Gear” clocks in at 3:49 and opens with a blistering guitar riff. The best on the EP. As the guitar wails, it steals the spotlight throughout the entire song. The song is effortless punk in sound, lyrics, and attitude and the chorus is the final nail in the coffing to make this song an absolute banger.
The Shunkos by The Shunkos is twelve minutes and eight seconds of pure punk bounce around fun. The only downside is that it’s a short EP.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Beer & Gear” and “Depop Dan”
FAVOURITE TRACK: “Depop Dan”
