The Age of the Atom EP Review
LiveWire Music reviews the latest EP release from the Two Step Goodbyes
February 2020 sees the release of “Age of the Atom”, the second EP from Stoke band the Two Step Goodbyes, who mix the styles of psychobilly, horror punk, garage-rock and rock’n’roll into their own unique sound. The band consists of Simon Frain (Guitars / Vocals), Kev Kalski (Upright Bass / Vocals) and Will Haywood (Drums / Backing Vocals). The band pull on a wide range of influences from groups such as the Pixies, Batmobile, the Stray Cats, the Cramps, the Misfits and the legends that are Johnny Cash and Vince Ray not to mention 70's Detective Shows….
In 2018 the band released their first three track EP, “10,000 Volts”, and 2019 has seen them gig relentlessly at sold out venues across the region, performing with some of the legends of the genre, such as Demented Are Go. 2020 looks to be another busy live year for the guys, the highlight being a huge show in April, supporting the Meteors (details below).
When looking to release another EP, the band’s plan was very simple, to come up with and record four no nonsense straight to the point banging tracks with no frills, no fancy stuff….. just good riffs and a beat you can move to. Something to enjoy live. The four tracks “Goddamn Atomic”, “Boneshaker Baby”, “Dead In the Ground” and “Good For Nothing” have evolved and grown on the road as staples in the set and were picked for this release as they capture the energy and swagger that earned the band the reputation as one of Stoke's most exciting live bands. Having listened to the new EP many times during this review, for me, they have certainly delivered on this plan.
Fusing classic psychobilly style with raucous riffs and pounding drum beats, the result is straight talkin’ rock ’n’ roll noise with a twang and a bang designed to get your feet moving. Track one “Dead in the Ground” has the feel of a horror punk classic, something that wouldn’t be out of place on “Famous Monsters” by the Misfits, with its dark murderous lyrics and catchy sing along chorus. I’ll issue a small warning here before we go any further. If like me, you listen to music with headphones while washing the car, riding the bus or walking the dog, you WILL be singing this chorus out loud…. So watch out who’s about, it’s catchy !
The second track “Bone Shaker Baby” is for me the weakest track of the EP, but that’s my personal view and it’s still a great song as it does exactly what it says on the tin, with fast riffs and pounding basslines and drum beats it shakes you to the core and gets you moving. If you can sit still through this one without tapping away there’s something wrong with you. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike it at all, it’s a solid track, it just doesn’t quite grab me quite in the way the others do.
Next up it’s probably my favourite track on the EP “Goddamn Atomic” which is simply a BLAST ! It’s guitar track hits you in the face something like the Ramones….. The lyrics are simply brilliant ‘I’m doing great, feeling fantastic…. I’m burning up, I’m on fire, going out of my mind….. total meltdown like a reactor…. I’m atomic ! The music matches the lyrics perfectly, being fast, loud and raucous…. again, full of catchy riffs and an excellent chorus to sing along. The ultimate feelgood song for the atomic age.
Last up we have track four. For me, it reminds me of Demented Are Go, and the first few notes of “Good for Nothing” grab your attention and suck you in, leading you into its loud foot tapping catchy riffs and lyrically simple and yet brilliant chorus that will have you again shouting out loud.
Overall, this is an excellent second EP from the Two Step Goodbyes maintaining their high standards set by 10,000 Volts in 2018. As well a great CD to listen too in it’s own right, these songs are designed to be heard live, and so in executing their plan, they have delivered brilliantly. I can see why they are one of Stoke’s best live bands. To really like three of the four songs on any EP is good going, and it’s a solid release and a worthy addition to any CD collection, well worth a 4 out of 5 microphones score from LiveWire.
If you’d like to get hold of the new EP it’s available in two formats, standard for £5, which can be pre-ordered up to the release date of 12 February, or the limited special edition for £10 which comes with the 2018 release 10,000 Volts as well. Please note that the special edition is only available to pre-order until 31 January 2020. To buy a copy of either version, contact the band by email at: thetwostepgoodbyes@gmail.com
If you like what you hear and fancy seeing the guys live, they are supporting The Meteors at the Underground in Stoke on Trent on 4 April 2020, and at the Rockin’ the Boneyard charity all day event at The Golden Fleece in Nottingham on 29 August 2020. Details of these shows and others as they are announced are available on the bands Facebook page @the2SG.
