Pet Needs – Fractured Party Music

Fractured Party Music by Pet Needs is exactly that: a series of cut-up and meshed pieces of rock and party anthems. The material is always on a constant state of alert; while it sometimes slips into what could be a hint of peace and quiet, it’s not long before another barrage of stormy instruments crashes in. Like many rock-inspired records, it’s a little typical – like a dialled-up Frank Turner with more twisted lyrics, or a softer Mindless Self Indulgence with a bit of heart.

The album opens with the deafening screech of electric guitar on Outline. Heavy and crass, the track exudes careless vibes and short hallucinogenic trips, with lyrics that burst through like word vomit. It’s a more than a fitting welcome to a record with this title. Surprisingly, it has tender moments, and ends by coming down from the high with soft, lingering piano. In contrast, closer Embers is reliant on the vocals as opposed to the instruments. In fact, the melody struggles to be heard over the stubborn and desperate cry of the singer.

The most notable track by far is As the Spin Cycle Span, which is slow and quiet against the rest of the chaos, a hypnotic lullaby that sways listeners into a false sense of serenity, before it descends into a bone-shaking disturbance that hits a little bit of truth and reality. Tracy Emin’s Bed is a quirky bundle of kinetic vibrations that surges with dancing energy. Also of note is Sympathetic Accent Syndrome, on which the layered vocals create an aggravating and taunting rebellion against rhythm. Toothpaste on the other hand, exhibits a riff that recalls Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.

Overall, Fractured Party Music is exactly what it needs to be: a loud and brash playlist to pair with bad decisions made on a night out. It’s fun and upbeat, with curious temptations and regrets, but it lacks the nuance to truly elevate its lyrics into experience. A little below average in the grand spectrum of its genre.

Mae Trumata

Fractured Party Music is released on 12^th March 2021. For further information or to order the album visit Pet Needs’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Tracy Emin’s Bed here: