Deficit Attention Program is the debut mini-album from Glasweigan post-hardcore four-piece The Whisky Works, although I’m not convinced. Upon listening to the first couple of tracks, I actually found myself double-checking that this isn’t a long-lost Thursday demo from way back when. The music may be a bit tamer than New Jersey‘s finest, but Iain Bethel’s vocals at times are identical to those of Thursday‘s Geoff Rickly.
Still I’m not one to knock any band to draw influence from Mr Rickly and Co., and this mini-albun is certainly one deserving of a few listens. Partly recorded at Longwave Studios with Romesh Dodongoda at the helm – and let’s be honest, he’s hardly produced anything bad recently – it’s six tracks of angular guitars, stop-start drums and incredibly passionate vocals. Opening track ‘Electric’ kicks in with an almighty force, while ‘Monster! Monster!’ has a chorus capable of slaying such a subject matter. In ‘Lights‘, the bands’ grunge influence is allowed to truly shine through, with its contrast of soft verses and towering choruses, and it’s here that the frontman’s natural Scottish twinge becomes apparent in his vocals. It’s quite frankly aurally delicious.
There’s a hell of a lot of talent coming out of Scotland at the moment (see Twin Atlantic, To Catch A Thief), and with Deficit Attention Program, The Whisky Works have the substance to become the country’s next big export.. I really enjoy this record, and while it may not be the most original or ambitious release, it’s a must-listen for any post-hardcore fans looking for something new.
Andy R