At no point on Pedigree Pig (Self-Released), the debut EP by Seattle Post-Punk three-piece Anthers, does it feel like this is a record recorded from down the road. Pedigree Pig, I’m quite sure, was recorded in a murky sci-fi sex dungeon on the moon — conveniently being rented out for band recordings, but smelling kind of sus. 

From the opening sci-fi-synth pulse of first track “Mabel” there is an otherworldly, computerised feel to proceedings. This aesthetic envelopes what could in general be described as a Post-Punk style of playing by the band. 

Generally, all seven tracks (bar noise interlude “Mussels”) are driven by an anxious, industrialised propulsion. The band can go from a kind of stormtrooper stomp, to a frenetic swing (as they do on the opener), or quiver through a murky haze, with scuttling rhythms (as on “Gantuan”), or clamber up the wall like a mechanised spider (as they do on the satisfyingly creepy “UGGO”).  

Through it all, the listening experience is of peeking out of the blinds and seeing some weird, half-machine creature clambering over the neighbours’ fences and bothering their dogs. 

And that’s a compliment. 

The band cites influences as varied as Bjork, to At the Drive In to The Simpsons. Make of that what you will, but it does all support the overall impression that the band has focussed their powers on creating a unique sound on this collection of tracks. 

Certain clever little touches, such as the hyper-paced 5/4 rhythm on the panicky “Blow Mold”, or the unsettling ascending rhythms on the above mentioned “UGGO” help emphasise the general sense of unease that the record so neatly creates. 

Vocalist/guitarist EJ Tolentino is due props both for keeping the guitar lines spidery and weird, while evoking Amen’s Casey Chaos in his sometimes-sneering snarls. 

But you can’t have an effective power trio if any members are slacking. So naturally there are plenty of standout passages from the rhythm section of drummer Taylor Clark, and bassist Kevin Blanquies — with the former chopping it up to great effect on off-kelter rhythmic gems like “Tsuga”, while Blanquies keeps the fidgety playing of his bandmates grounded in a satisfyingly murky groove. 

On Pedigree Pig Anthers find a way to make industrial noisiness give off a certain precision, as though someone were punching a computer into pieces with a bionic arm… in an underground disco… with a varnish-fumes-induced headache/ high. More please!

Buy the album here:
https://anthers.bandcamp.com/album/pedigree-pig-2 

8 / 10
TOM OSMAN