18/01/20
Words | Joshua Withers
@joshwithers4
Punk D.I.Y | https://punkdiy.home.blog
Photo | Luke Henery
Aussie punks the chats have announced their debut album alongside new track “The Clap”. The song is a minute and thirty seconds in length and its lyrics are focused on the main character being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.
This track perfectly encapsulates what The Chats music is. It is so refreshing to see a band genuinely having fun with their music, alternative music in 2020 is so full of melodrama and bands who take themselves far too seriously. Having a band like The Chats who make it clear they just want to have a laugh and make some interesting music is vital.
Not obsessed with being experimental or lyrically poetic, The Chats use simplicity and
comedy as a way of being compelling. The track is fast paced and sounds raw, both
common themes of The Chats music, focused mostly around two driving chords. It has a
very traditional punk sound, short, fast and to the point.
The short verses give us context to how our protagonist contracted his disease, whilst the chorus is an almost proud declaration of “I’ve got the clap”. The track finishes with a beautifully cheesy and ironic literal clapping along with the beat. There’s no better introduction to The Chats, this is them in a nutshell, crass, funny and fast.
Alongside the song the chats released an accompanying music video
which is equally as crude and ridiculous. The Chats are unapologetically themselves, they
don’t care about being overly-meaningful or being seen as a life-changing band. They just
have fun and make music, it’s completely admirable.
Bassist/Vocalist Eamon Sandwith has said regarding their new album “We don’t make songs for people to look at in a fucking emotional or intellectual way. We just make songs for people to jump around and have fun to.” This is the ethos of The Chats and “The Clap” is that to a tee.
The Chats also announced their debut album “High Risk Behaviour” which is set for release March 27th on Bargain Bin records, containing 14 tracks at 28 minutes long. They will also
return to the UK for a tour in October playing 12 dates in 11 different cities.
October 2020
Fri 16 Southampton, 1865
Sat 17 Nottingham, Rock City
Sun 18 Bristol, 02 Academy
Mon 19 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia
Tue 20 Belfast, Limelight
Thu 22 Glasgow, Galvanizers
Fri 23 Leeds, Stylus
Sat 24 Newcastle, Boiler Shop
Sun 25 Manchester, 02 Academy
Mon 26 Brighton, Dome
Wed 28 London, Electric Brixton
Thu 29 London, Electric Brixton
Tickets available from the 24th of January