It’s a shame that Desa are getting lots of publicity merely because they are ex-Link 80 – after all, the two bands don’t sound alike at all. Imagine The Police and the Rx Bandits having a bit of a wrestle and you’ll be a bit closer to the mark. The fact is, Desa should be getting write-ups in the press for being fucking great; the three songs on this record are simply majestic slices of 80’s influenced rock music. Throw in a little Howards Alias, arguably one of the country’s, if not the world’s, most inventive and intelligent ska bands, and you’ve got a split EP to leave music lovers foaming at the mouth.
Perhaps the only downside is the split has just six tracks. The songs are so good the 18-minutes whizzes through and you are left gagging for more, always a good trait for a record to have. Desa kick things off with the fantastic ‘West Grand In Flames‘, the standout track for me on the entire split. There’s a pounding 80s bassline and guitar tone which harks back to the days when The Police ruled the world. Ryan Noble’s vocals are distinctive, the guitars choppy and at three minutes in length it doesn’t outstay its welcome. With the tone set, Desa continue with the groovy ‘Ardent Anthem’, while ‘Burner Off’ is also worthy of a listen.
Howards Alias have a lot to live up to – and manage to pass the test. Flying the flag for the UK, Matt and co fly through ‘This Is Prologue’, a track which may not be as instant as some of the ‘Chameleon Script’ efforts, yet still manages to have your foot-tapping in no time. ‘My Friend Honesty’ is far more ska-based, again proving HA have the knack of writing songs that take root in your cranium and refuse to shift. The more sombre ‘Bury It’ ends things on a reflective footing, but this just adds to the depth the band have in their songwriting.
This is a gem of an EP and one I would highly recommend you pick up. Link 80 fans may be in for a shock if they’ve not yet heard any Desa material, but Howards Alias continue where they left off. The new album is going to be one to watch for sure…
www.howardsalias.co.uk
www.desadesadesa.com
Good Clean Fun Records
Paul