‘Vs and Gs’ by Dancehall (Single)

Dancehall: slinky bassline, frenzied guitar and compact drums compliment Timothy V’s yelping vocal

This lively and unfussy debut, from the London-based punk trio, flirts with familiarity then settles for its own energetic company

Vs And Gs was named after its original demo title “vocals and guitars”. It’s a fitting start for this uncluttered debut by London trio Dancehall and a strong indication of the tight songcraft at their core.

There’s an immediacy to the track which both works in its favour and against it. The slinky bassline, frenzied guitar and compact drums compliment Timothy V’s yelping vocal but the suggestions of The Rapture and Death From Above 1979’s only add to the song’s recognizable feel.

Thankfully, through a combination of sheer gusto and engaging lyrics, Vs And Gs still manages to raise its head from under the weight of history. Lines like “trade time and energy for coffee and diabetes,” hint at a disaffection with the modern malaise and give this convulsive song the edge it needs.

Verdict: Urgent and danceable punk music

Duncan Haskell

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