Later this week, Sydney/Eora punks FANGZ will unleash long-awaited debut album Shui (like FANGZ shoo-ey, get it?).
Already suitably hyped by singles “Wasting Time”, “Wide Awake”, “Same Old Story”, and recent release “Anne Marie”, Shui comes to us via Impressed Recordings, and will drop on Friday July 4th.
Of the new album, frontman Josh Cottreau said: “A debut album’s always a bit unhinged and slightly rough — bands figuring themselves out in real time. FANGZ Shui has that energy. We locked ourselves in a Melbourne studio, away from all distractions and comforts, and made something that sounds like what it felt like: loud, dangerous, evolutionary, drunk — and ultimately, ours. In real life, I’m thankful to my bandmates for going on this thankless ride with me.”
Shui’s singles have been mostly pacey affairs, rip-roaring releases that demand to be heard live, preferably in a sweaty dive bar. The remaining tracks are a little more varied, with clear influences from across the musical spectrum, but still bound by Cottreau’s irresistible punk vocals, and FANGZ’s proclivity for a really good hook. In era of genre bending and high concept storytelling, Shui is a loud reminder that songs don’t always have to change your life – they just have to be good.
That said, Shui does run the emotional gamut, touching on shifting relationships, growing up, and finding purpose. There’s nothing flowery about the lyrics, with simple, strong statements that make for ideal crowd participation, and while there’s anger and sadness aplenty (what’s punk without a little rage, after all?), there’s joy too – latest release “Anne-Marie” is a shout-out to Cottreau’s sister, its gleeful refrain a heartfelt thank you for unwavering support.
Other highlights include a particularly sexy guitar solo in “Animals”, the back and forth vocals of “Bad News” – I don’t plan on being single anytime soon, but this one would certainly make the inevitable break-up playlist – and pretty much the entirety of “Same Old Story”, a track that’s been on constant repeat in my house since it dropped last year. Album closer “Expired” also hits differently, with an almost folk-like edge to its riffs.
I also found myself returning to “Gone” time and time again; it’s heartfelt, a little bit bitter, and just so damn good. It feels strange to say this about a FANGZ song, but I’d sell my soul for an acoustic version of this one.
We always knew FANGZ were a guaranteed good time, but Shui is confirmation of even more, showcasing their musicality, versatility, and ability, producing relatable tracks that beg for an enthusiastic sing-a-long. The tour in support of the release is their biggest yet, and you’d be mad to miss a chance to hear these songs live.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
FANGZ’ Shui is out on Friday 4th July.
You can pre-order the album on a stunning limited edition vinyl HERE, or pre-save it on your favourite streaming service HERE. Merch bundles, including the vinyl, are available through the FANGZ website HERE.
FANGZ are Josh Cottreau, Sam Sheumack, Jameel Majam, Steve Woodward and Ethan Holland.
FANGZ will head out on tour later this week in support of the new album, kicking things off with a free listening party in Sydney tomorrow night. Local acts will take on support duties.
Dates are as follows:
- Thu 3 July – Fun Time Pony, Ngunnawal/Canberra (w/ Box Dye and Yoko Oh No)
- Fri 4 July – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (w/ Oh! Daisy, All Regards, and Grevillea)
- Sat 5 July – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong (w/ Lightyears and Loose Surface)
- Fri 11 July – Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle (w/ Smacked Youth and I Hate People)
- Sat 12 July – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (w/ Dedpan, Punish, and Oh! Daisy)
- Thu 17 July – Vinnies Dive Bar, Yugambeh/Gold Coast *w/ Buckled and Eyesite)
- Fri 18 July – Black Bear Lodge, Meanjin/Brisbane (w/ Verum, Pornstar Supercar, and Call The Mourning)
- Sat 19 July – Norton Music Factory, Gubbi Gubbi/Caloundra (w/ Chamber Lane and Citizen Rat)
- Fri 25 July – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth (w/ Indigo Blaze, Lazer Gator, and Rosalie Chilvers)
- Sat 26 July – Austral Bandroom, Tarndanya/Adelaide (w/ Witch Spit, Lickity Split, and Left On Seen)
Grab your tickets HERE.
Images supplied by PR.
