Demob Happy - Holy Doom

A lot has changed since Demob Happy’s 2015 debut ‘Dream Soda’. They’ve been streamlined down to a three-piece, and have, we assume, spent most of the interim worshipping at the altar of Josh Homme. From the moment ‘Liar In Your Head’ struts into life, the band grab their identity as irresistible, roaring riffmongers - and don’t let it go for a second. While ‘Dream Soda’ skirted around this kind of chunky riff worship, ‘Holy Doom’ knows its aim, and proceeds to execute its harmony-drenched rock prowls flawlessly.

The pace never lets up, the riffs, ambition and confidence growing across its length. “When you gonna do me tonight?” vocalist Matt Marcantonio spits in ‘Fake Satan’ with a swagger, while his higher-pitched vocals on ‘I Wanna Leave (Alive)’ contrast perfectly with the filthiest riff the album has to offer. As second efforts go, ‘Holy Doom’ is an absolute stormer, hammering home everything that made Demob Happy such an exciting prospect while turning it firmly up to 11.