Oswald Slain has come out swinging with their debut EP Kiss Me On The Mouth (April 16). It’s a debut that wears its heart, hangups, and humour on a patched-up denim sleeve.
The self-produced DIY gem was recorded in the bleak chill of January 2024, but its songs burn with the heat of reckless youth, aging anxieties, and the kind of sharp charm that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
From the first punch of “Ugly,” the band makes it clear they know how to balance grit and finesse. There’s a smart, self-aware energy behind the noise. It’s a mix of unhinged garage rock and tight, confident musicianship that lets the chaos breathe without unraveling.
The surf tinged “Sean Paul” is pure swagger. The catchy and cheeky song is surely to become a crowd favorite. Charlie Fitzgerald’s delivery drips with tongue-in-cheek charisma that strikes a perfect chord between singalong abandonment and lyrical bite. “Mystery Bag” dives into head-nodding bass grooves that keep things moving with effortless cool, while the title track, “Kiss Me on the Mouth,” charges in with infectious attitude and just the right amount of middle-finger charm. It’s self-deprecating, defiant, and undeniably fun.
Closing track “Baby Boy” shifts gears with a twangy folk-pop lilt that immediately evokes Bob Dylan, but with a wink and modern flair. It’s loose, heartfelt, and oddly comforting. A perfect closer that shows off the band’s range without losing the thread.
Notably, the band’s first single “Happiness is Overrated” doesn’t make the cut, and honestly, that’s a testament to how strong this debut really is. Oswald Slain may have recorded this in a gloomy flat, but Kiss Me On The Mouth beams with sharp charm and scrappy ambition. It’s exactly the kind of debut that makes you want to hear what’s next.
