Cheerbleederz. A name that raises too many questions as to how they came up with it in the first place, none of which I’m sure I want the answers to. Was it some kind of gang formed upon a mutual hatred of cheerleaders, or just auto-correct failing to notice a pretty big mistake? Either way, I like it. It’s dangerous, like those pesky youths who hang outside my local shop. Just let me past, I need bread!
Their second EP, Lobotany, lands in my lap on a cold evening (apparently if you don’t pay your bills, they shut off your heating) and has a vibrant start; kicking off with the song Say 2 U. That is classic Cheerbleederz, using text talk as a title. Bunch of rebels. Anyway, back to the track – it opens with a nice bit of bass, joined by a head-bobbing drum beat, a gentle guitar riff, then captivating words. It’s smooth – real smooth. Smoother than my body after bathing in a big vat of hair removal cream. Now that’s bloody smooth. Smooth.
But hang on! Say 2 U switches up the pace towards the end, pleasantly surprising you with a rough, grittier type of tune. They change up the vocal style; giving you two contrasting feelings of laying on the grass on a sunny afternoon, then shifting into an intimate, sticky-floored venue, surrounded by jumping fans with questionable odours.
Up next is Disco. It’s another belter, with lyrics suggesting a sad scenario; it’s about someone who was never picked to boogie at the disco. Contrary to its happy-go-lucky instrumentals, I found myself picturing a kid at said disco, waiting for a dance partner that would never come. It’s a heartbreaking concept, but one that’s relatable to many. It’s the reason I break down every time the Spice Girls come on.
Right, on to the next one. It’s Sometimes I Cry At Work. Blimey. Like the previous song, the chorus is bringing back some rather unpleasant flashbacks, only this time it’s about James from accounting stealing my crisps. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. Excuse me.
I’d say Sometimes I Cry At Work is my favourite song on the EP. It’s a catchy tune that, as with Disco, wears it’s heart very much on its sleeve. Around a minute and a half in, there’s a quick break, then a slow and steady build-up. This is the moment the audience clap along in anticipation at live shows. It all culminates with some fantastic guitar that gets you in a party mood; I had to take a moment out from this review to have a bit of a move around (what I do can’t be considered dancing). At this point, I’ve got a taste for the sound of Cheerbleederz, and I’m all in.
Finishing off Lobotany, it’s their last track, Gaze Of Others. It’s all about being self-conscious under potential scrutiny from other people’s views of you. I know how they feel – I can’t even go to the urinals in public toilets. But never mind me, Gaze Of Others is an excellent finish to what is a perfect example of what an EP should be – a brilliant showcase of what the band has to offer.
Out on 7th February on Alcopop! Records, I really enjoyed Lobotany, and I can’t wait to see what Cheerbleederz do next (please play a gig in Birmingham).