Bristol new-wave and post-punk quintet Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine are back in force with their sophomore EP ‘Rear Meat’. The four-track EP is their heaviest set of songs, with dark rhythms and gritty textures serving as a departure from their previous sound.
Their latest offering is a major step forward creatively, with undertones of social commentary and psychedelic melodies fused with post-punk fuzz. The group successfully blends their creative ambition with an irreverence that seeps into every aspect of the band’s fabric; this includes the EP title, born from a dyslexic mixup of ‘Rare Meat,’ and album artwork, which is a photo of donkeys’ behinds as the most literal translation of ‘Rear Meat.’
The band embraces an absurdist approach, present in the lyrics and instrumentation on this collection. From the swirling synth and surreal effects in ‘Armadillo,’ to the caged bull ‘ETA’ which explores a difficult social interaction, the band successfully experiments with a heavier sonic profile.
On ‘Rear Meat’, each song is a unique offering. ‘There’s Less Trouble When You Stay At Home’, was inspired by frontman Smudger Lewis’ frustrating encounter with law enforcement. After being assaulted at work, investigators mistakenly identified him as the perpetrator rather than the victim. The song transforms this bureaucratic incompetence into a powerful call for systemic change.
‘Armadillo’ emerged from one band member’s dream and evolved into a fascinating exploration of sleep states – nightmares, REM cycles, and insomnia. ‘Skyrats’, the band’s final single from the EP, is the heaviest offering on this release and will surely be a staple of future live shows
‘Rear Meat’ was recorded in the basement of iconic Bristol venue The Louisiana without the use of a metronome, a stylistic move that affords the record a rawness and flowing energy. The live sessions from their time in the venue’s basement will be available on the B-side of the EP, giving fans a different and refreshing listening experience.
If you’re a fan of the quirky rhythms of post-punk icons FEET and Squid, this new release will speak to you. The songs on this EP will serve as a huge addition to the band’s expanding collection and certainly be a prominent feature in future live shows known for their intensity. Following the release of ‘Rear Meat’ the band will kick off on a tour across the UK, beginning in Falmouth on May 20th and setting the stage for a massive 2025.