Cheerbleederz - even in jest (2022) Hi-Res

First off, what a great name for a band. cheerbleederz are an indie punk trio from London whose debut album, even in jest, has been doing heavy rotation in my brain since first hearing it. Like poet e e cummings, the band eschew the use of capitals, and they have a way with lyrics that the poet would be proud of too. Take this from lead off single, cute as hell: i changed my underwear thirteen times today/never really been one for lingerie/but you’re cute as hell i’m into you. It’s funny and insightful and brings a wry, knowing smile to the face of the listener. It’s a great single with simple chord progressions to simper over, that out Buzzcocks the Buzzcocks for adolescent feelings.

But the title of the album gives a hint that it’s not all about the humorous traumas of dating, and the band cover mental health issues on the guitar riff heavy nail biters, and the barely contained madness of my condolences, where the song feels on the verge of exploding into chaos at any moment. The visceral break up of a relationship is explored with loss, anger and a sense of relief, that finally you are escaping, on notes app apologies: you’re making me sick and tired/yeah you’re dragging me, dragging me down/wish i could smash my fucking screen up/so that i don’t have to see ya .

The album track list would work well as a set list with it’s opening four songs, break ur arm, cute as hell, nail biters and my condolences, blistering through indie punk, that leaves you reeling at the pace and intelligence of the songs, before slowing down somewhat with a more wistful shoe gaze feel. love/hurt has an 80s electronic sound, whilst out of body is all scratchy guitars and wistful dreaming, and lazy bones is laid back on dreamy clouds. Before, like any good gig, the songs pick up pace again to the finale: carbon copy is grunge fuelled, the aforementioned notes app apologies an angry riposte to time wasted on the wrong person, and pinwheel ends it all, underpinned with a very cool bass and drum beat.

This is very accomplished, infectious indie-punk with driving beats, smart, funny lyrics and fuzzy riffs to jangle in the head all day. It bristles with the exuberance of youth and excitement of rock, and showcases an exciting debut from a band surely going places – from teenage bedrooms to mature hit makers. It’s 30 minutes of raucous, riotous rocking and razor-sharp punk tunes – with damn smart lyrics too.