Meatraffle – “Abstinence Blues”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With… David Bowie, Madness, Talking Heads

Two years after reviewing Meatraffle for the 2020 South Bye that wasn’t, their most popular song, ’N’Drangheta Allotment,” still grabs and holds my attention. Hearing this song live is now a life goal, but to be fair, the pandemic may have shifted my aspirations.  Meatraffle has since released a follow up EP, Black Metal Music, with four new songs. “Abstinence Blues” continues the band’s use of heavy baselines and percussion for their ska-post punk infused music and politically and apocalyptic spoken-shouted lyrics. The new songs are a touch spacier and dare I say quieter, for Meatraffle anyway, with experimental, psychedelic sound bubbles percolating behind the spoken lyrics. Listen to “New Map of Hell” to hear what I am talking about. (David Zlotnick)

2020 Review: Meatraffle are British experimental alt-punks who mix speak-singing with horn lines, lo-fi beats, and psychedelic synths and percussion to create a unique sound.  Meatraffle make it all work by having a vision for each song and being committed in equal part to their political dystopian vision, vocal and instrumental grooves, and sonic exploration. Their second album, “Bastard Music” was released last year.  The lyrics are overtly political but in a weird sci-fi way that does not detract from the musical lane this band is carving for itself.