Irish Handcuffs Humbs EP
From their Bandcamp page, I learned that “after thirteen years and close to three hundred shows in around fifteen countries, IRISH HANDCUFFS are calling it a day.” To be honest, I’m bummed that I’m just now hearing this band. These four songs are mid-tempo and contain the speckled reflective parts of SAMIAM, JAWBREAKER, and MOVING TARGETS. Tunefully akin to OFF WITH THEIR HEADS and LEATHERFACE, but without that over-the-top, “gargle with sand” vocal style that many try and few do well. I appreciate that every guitar and bass note, every drum hit, every syllable is clear and mixed well enough to be a DESCENDENTS record, but not overproduced to where the tunes become flaccid song bags. I dig it.