Check Your Pressure By The Deflators brilliantly blends CBGS era punk rock with 80’s New Wave and modern garage rock!
A few weeks ago, I reviewed “Liar, Liar” by The Deflators and called it a Ramonescore classic. Now it’s time to delve into the whole EP, Check Your Pressure, starting with their next single, "I Need to Know," which is less of an in-your-face punk tune and serves more as a poignant and emotionally charged punk rock anthem. The lyrics delve into the tumultuous realm of relationships and the agonizing uncertainty that often accompanies them.
The opening lines, "Well, the talk on the street / Says you might go solo," immediately establish a sense of gossip and speculation. The lyrics paint a picture of a close friend witnessing the singer's partner leaving surreptitiously, adding an air of betrayal and secrecy to the narrative.
The recurring refrain of "I need to know" serves as the emotional core of the song, expressing the protagonist's desperation for clarity and honesty. It's a universal sentiment that many can relate to, as anyone who has been in a relationship can understand the torment of not knowing where they stand.
Musically, "I Need to Know" likely embodies the raw and energetic sound of punk rock mixed with New Wave and garage rock. The guitars are distorted but more akin to garage rock sound or 70’s British punk sound vs. a hardcore punk sound or even the “clean” distortion of a pop punk band.
“Clever Girl” provides a humorous and somewhat chaotic lyrical narrative. The lyrics tell the story of a series of comically unfortunate events that the singer experiences while trying to go on a date with someone they deeply care about. It ends with the singer being hospitalized and the “Clever Girl” bringing him flowers. Throughout the song, the singer wonders why she keeps giving him another chance and ends with the realization that she was indeed clever enough to “marry him”.
Musically, “Clever Girl” continues the blend punk, new wave and garage rock that is this band’s signature sound. Highlights are the fun guitar lead in the beginning and the vocal harmonizing in the song.
“It’s so Sad” is a punk song that delves into themes of disillusionment, social unrest, and the erosion of fundamental values in modern society.
Musically, it’s faster pace akin to the first track, but there are moments of New Wave particularly when it slows down unexpectedly for a few measures to bring a sad harmony to the forefront.
“SSLM” gets back to a more Ramonescore sound with an interesting “organ” sound near the end. The song seems to revolve around a friend who keeps sleeping people important to the singer, from the girl he had a crush on, to his sister and finally his wife. Some fucking friend.
Check them out on all of their Spotify and all of their socials too:
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