SINGLE REVIEW: LoGoZ – Digital Detox (self-released)
Ashington’s answer to Green Day (when they were good) are back with a four-track EP full of their instantly recognisable pop-punk rock ‘n’ roll.
They were one of the bands on the bill at the last gig I saw before lockdown (reviewed here), and I hope they’ll be one of the first I see once we’re all allowed out to play again.
In the meantime, this slice of metal-tinged pop-punk will help keep the demons at bay on days when it feels like this interminable lockdown will never end. It’s their first full release since 2019’s Disgraceland single (reviewed here).
LoGOz are Peesh (lead vocals & guitar), his son Kieran (bass), Paul (lead guitar & backing vocals), and Carlos (drums). Formed in 2012 in Ashington, Northumberland, they play short, sharp, energetic songs influenced by the likes of Rancid, Ramones, The Professionals, Sex Pistols and – yes – Green Day.
Frontman Peesh has been one of the unsung heroes of the pandemic, because as well as working as a postman, he’s been performing an acoustic set every Friday night, streamed live to the band’s Facebook page.
Just before Christmas, LoGoZ shared the lo-fi video for thunderous lead track Digital Detox, which takes aim at the ever-present intrusion of technology in our lives, and is full of their trademark swaggering riffs with catchy melodies.
Now it’s been joined on a CD by two other upbeat new songs, and a bonus demo. Second track Monkey Business features one of the dirtiest riffs they’ve ever played, with shades of the Foo Fighters, while I’m sure I won’t be alone in picking up a Dead Kennedys influence on the upbeat Joie De Vivre, which comes next.
The EP is rounded off by a demo version of Buckfast Baby, a tribute to the tonic wine so beloved of Scots. It’s very Ramones-like with added chugging metal riffs, and even this rough take shows the bass and drums are really locked in, proving young Kieran is really bedded in now.
Let’s hope a finished version of the track makes it on to the second album LoGoZ are hoping to release later in 2021. Together with the eventual return of gigs, that would really give us something to celebrate.
- You can get the Digital Detox EP directly from LoGoZ by sending £6 (including P&P) via PayPal to peeshmusic@gmail.com.
