Spin Class doubles down on instinct and energy with Dinner at Derek’s (July 18th), the tightly wound, five-track collection captures the Bristol quartet’s flair for oddball charm and serious musicianship. Clocking in at just over 12 minutes, the EP moves fast, furiously, but doesn’t feel rushed.
From the first notes of “Bagel Bagel Bagel” to the final hit of “Mr Toys”, this is music made for motion. With its darting guitar lines, sudden tempo shifts, and a vocal performance that moves from sardonic to full-throated shout with ease, the band’s decision to record live with producer Josh Gallop heightens that sense of immediacy but also beautifully captures the energy of the band. Every snare crack and guitar squeal feels like it’s happening inches from your ears.
But what I like is the sense of controlled chaos that defines listening to Dinner at Derek’s. “Cake” is a track that manages to juggle anxiety with a bit of humour in under two and a half minutes. It’s blunt with hooks that punch above their weight. This balance of sharp writing and hyperactive structure gives the EP a kind of ‘precision through overstimulation’ effect that’s busy but not messy.
Dinner at Derek’s doesn’t rely on its restless style, but its clarity of purpose. The five songs are songs written and performed with intention, even when the riffs spiral or the rhythm breaks into strange shapes. Spin Class sound fully in sync with one another and it shows.
Vocalist Louis Slater says,
Dinner at Derek’s is a 12 minute, 5 course meal that will leave you satiated; Your tastebuds tingling from our next batch of juicy tunes!
It’s a very apropos metaphor. Yes, the EP is brief, but it’s packed with sharp and satisfying music and lyrics from a band that’s building their own rules and clearly having a blast while doing it.
