Meatraffle – “’Ndrangheta Allotment”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4 

Pairs Well With… David Bowie, Warmduscher, Fat White Family

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.  A few quick notes on some songs: “Middle Age Caner” has a driving, punk energy and vocals distorted through a megaphone with some Bowie-esque weirdness, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is quieter but dynamic with its use of sonic and percussive pulsing, and “’Ndrangheta Allotment” is an easy stand-out.  Musically it pulses with surf and industrial rock but the horns ring of ska solos. The spoken-word lyrics are an ominous depiction of a Mafia cell operating from a garden apartment in Norbury, UK. They have another song about an oppressed colony living on Mars.  Final word - come for the music, stay for the lyrics.  (David Zlotnick)