Tubelord - Tezcatlipōca

With their new EP ‘Tezcatlipoca’, Tubelord stick to their credo of writing “Pop songs for Rock Kids”. Hidden behind an almost unpronounceable title (which is the name of a central deity in the Aztec religion; remember that to show off in front of your mates, kids) are three songs, that escalate from soft, almost vulnerable pop (‘Arbour’), via energetic indie (‘Ratchet’), to Biffy-esque rock with prominent guitars (‘Bazel’).

However, the most prominent feature on all three songs remains Jo Prendergast’s singular voice that varies from soft sighs, whines and whispers on opener ‘Arbour’, to, well, something still soft and weepy, but slightly more vibrant and lively.

Whilst ‘Arbour’ is flawless, catchy guitar pop, follower ‘Ratcher’ challenges the listener’s ear ever so slightly more. Predendergast’s voice is supported by Drummer David Catmur’s, there’s a trumpet – no worries, it doesn’t make them sound like Mumford & Sons - and after the break it then unfolds all its qualities as a song that shall go down well with live audiences - just like closing track ‘Bazel’. Its pop melody is wrapped in raw guitars, which sadly fade out before the song has even properly started and then suddenly ends after exactly three minutes, leaving the listener – and said live audiences – ready to jump and with no chance to let the pent up energy out.

Despite the slightly unsatisfying end, ‘Tezcatlipoca’ is a diverse, eccentric compilation of three songs of, strictly speaking, three genres. It won’t do Tubelord any harm though, if anything it makes them a far more interesting prospect.