Baby Schillaci‘s debut album, THE SOUNDTRACK, is more than just a furious onslaught of glorious noise. It’s a statement of raw and unfiltered passion that cuts through the mayhem with the precision of a rocket scientist. Out on October 2nd, the Swansea-based band has carved their niche in the alternative scene by merging post-punk aggression with layered complex compositions.
THE SOUNDTRACK is easily the best album of 2024. One that delivers both sonically and thematically. To say I’ve had it on repeat is an understatement. Would I be embarrassed by the number of repeats I’ve listened to the album in a day? Absolutely not. Especially when the lyrics in THE SOUNDTRACK are as raw and unflinching as the music itself. The lyrics seem to mirror the band’s confrontational approach and offer a potent mix of biting social commentary and personal intensity.
A track like “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA” is notable for their directness as they address issues like disenchantment and systemic violence with an uncompromising voice. The themes of frustration, alienation, and rebellion run throughout the album, and the lyrical delivery is as relentless as the instruments that accompany it. What makes Baby Schillaci’s lyrics stand out is their ability to cut through the noise, literally and figuratively. On tracks like “THe ANTi SUncREaM LeagUe”, the lyrics channel the raw energy of punk but with an intellectual edge that delivers a punch that resonates on multiple levels. Meanwhile, in “DISINTEGRATING SMALL TALK,” there’s a darker and more introspective feel to the words that adds nuanced layers to the band’s sound.
Baby Schillaci doesn’t shy away from hard truths or uncomfortable topics, and that honesty is what makes them so impactful. Ultimately, their lyrics work in perfect harmony with the music and enhance the visceral experience of THE SOUNDTRACK. Their words are as much a weapon as their instruments, cutting through societal facades with clarity.
The instrumentation on THE SOUNDTRACK is an exhilarating whirlwind of controlled anarchy. Each track brims with raw energy, but it’s the way the band fuses their gritty and unfiltered sound with intricate layers that truly sets them apart.
Drummer Tom Williams is a force to be reckoned with. His playing isn’t just the backbone of the band, but a commanding presence that pushes the band forward. Then there’s the guitar work from Richie Lewis and Tom Richards. They are equally powerful and blend gritty and distortion-heavy riffs with moments of melodic perfection. Their duelling guitars clash and collide but stay cohesive and form the core of the album’s defiant tone just as much their vocals do. Last but definitely not least is bassist Andrew Evans. With a rumbling undercurrent that adds weight to the album’s heavier moments and luscious grooves that anchor the album, his chaotic fury and intentional control complement the drumming and guitar interplay. Together, the four piece are a carefully crafted storm. Every element is unleashed with purpose and balances grit and grime with a surprising sense of meticulous care. The album and the band don’t just hit hard. It’s a masterclass in making chaos sound deliberate and engaging.
Opening THE SOUNDTRACK is an instrumental piece simply called “TITLE SEQUENCE” before it erupts into the explosive “ULTRA HD HAPPY FACE”. The band and the album waste zero time in setting a tone that challenges, confronts, resists, and accosts not only one’s ears but one’s way of thinking. The track’s sharp drum opening, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic “Tusk,” grabs one’s attention immediately, with Tom and Andrew laying down a groove so tight it could crush coal into diamonds. The energy skyrockets as the guitars from Richie and Tom collide in a fiery duel, making it impossible to resist the urge to move.
The rumbling bass lines in “BRAINFREEZE” hit straight to the core, powering through with a relentless and driving energy that pulses through every beat. It’s the kind of rhythm that demands reckless abandonment, like driving fast and taking chances. The combination of wailing guitars and raw vocals only heightens the intensity, making “BRAINFREEZE” a high-octane anthem that doesn’t let up from start to finish.
Pushing the envelope even further by blending Baby Schillaci’s punk fury and cerebral edge is “THe ANTi SUncREaM LeagUe”. The lawless yet calculated energy of the track makes it clear that Baby Schillaci are not just about raw power but about confronting societal norms with a sonic sledgehammer. This is punk in its purest form. Unapologetically rebellious and undeniably mesmerising.
At the midpoint of the album comes another instrumental. Like its predecessor, its title is simple. This time called “INTERLUDE”. It’s a moment to take a deep breath before Baby Schillaci ninja kicks one back into the deep end.
Shifting gears is “DISINTEGRATING SMALL TALK”. Dripping with a sultry heaviness and a haunting vibe that recalls the best of Nine Inch Nails‘ The Downward Spiral era. It’s sexy and seductive, and the bass and drums create a dangerous allure that sucks one in. While “THE FLATLINERS” showcases a volatile mix of noise and melody. The controlled chaos flawlessly reflects the band’s deftness at balancing feistiness, courage, and resolve.
In between “DISINTEGRATING SMALL TALK” and “THE FLATLINERS” is “JACKIE’S GIRl”. A track that showcases that Baby Schillaci never falls short when it comes to stellar guitars and rhythm. The track is a shining example of this strength. The infectious chorus sticks to one’s skin like salty air, while the catchy beats ensure the track moves with an undeniable momentum. It’s got a magnetic and danceable quality that is driven by the band’s signature interplay between ballsy guitars and tenacious rhythms.
From the very first note, “KUMITE” is a fast and furious vortex of howling guitars and equally fierce vocals. The track delivers a gut punch while its succulent bass and drums add depth to the bedlam. There’s an untamed energy to this song that makes it feel like it could explode at any moment and it keeps one hooked from start to finish with its intensity.
With “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA” offering a scathing critique of American disillusionment, Baby Schillaci tackles the darker facets of society head-on. The viscerally crafted sound from the scorching guitars and forceful rhythms amplify the urgency of the band’s message. It’s a perfect ending to a perfect debut album.
THE SOUNDTRACK isn’t just an album; it’s a visceral experience and a must-listen for anyone craving raw and aggressive post-punk that is delivered with unapologetic force. THE SOUNDTRACK is incredibly polished in its execution and perfectly captures the raw and unfiltered sound that is Baby Schillaci.
EDITOR’S NOTE: artist stylises their name, album, and/or songs, in lowercase or uppercase letters
