Cabbage - Amanita Pantherina (2020)

It’s been a long and busy 2 years since Cabbage released their debut album, ‘Nihilistic Glamour Shots’, an album that saw the band sell out multiple tours, play alongside huge names such as Blossoms and play at some massive festivals. Last Friday, Cabbage made their much awaited return with their second album, Amanita Pantherina, a sharp return, seeing the band mature.

Amanita Pantherina opens with, ‘Leon The Pig Farmer’, a punky, furious track which sees Cabbage reference George Orwell, at under 2 minutes long, it really packs a punch. Leon The Pig Farmer displays that Cabbage are back bigger, and better, than ever.

You’ve Made an Artform (From Falling To Pieces), follows, the first single to be released from the album. Inspired by Coronation Street, it sees Cabbage tackle the issue of male mental health, it’s a psychedelic number which is destined to sound even bigger live.
Raus! (German for ‘out!’) is a standout track from this album, it sees Cabbage provide social commentary on Brexit, and it really makes the listener think about the detrimental consequences of the UK splitting from Europe. Raus! features distorted, catchy vocals and a crunchy guitar riff which helps to bring the track to life.

The lyrics to Once Upon A Time In The North help Cabbage showcase what life in the North of England is truly like, abrasive bass tones add to the chaotic feel this track holds. Hatred tones it down a little, an acoustic number which has stunning instrumentation, complimenting lead vocalist Lee Broadbent’s vocals beautifully.

Medicine is another stand out, sending Cabbage almost into the realms of goth. It’s rather fitting for 2020, with ringing basslines and catchy lyrics such as “Roll out the medicine, long live the dead”.

Closing track Terminates Here is another psychedelic number, yet more stripped back than the ones before it. At 6 minutes long, it gives listeners time to reflect on the tracks that came before it, featuring remorseful and reflective lyrics before coming to a graceful end.

At only 11 tracks long, Amanita Pantherina feels gigantic. It takes Cabbage to new heights, with the band controlling a sound to make it uniquely theirs. The album displays insane production, and sees Cabbage return bursting with anger and confidence.