The Primitives - New Thrills EP (2017) Hi-Res

First release from the resurgent Primitives following their 2014 ‘Spin-O-Rama’ album; ‘New Thrills’ is delivered on 10” vinyl, and packaged as a maxi-single, a somewhat historic term which evokes echoes of the 60’s – a period The Primitives; Paul Court, Tig Williams, and Tracy Tracy continue to draw inspiration from.

Opener ‘I’ll Trust The Wind’ pins you to the floor, all the classic Primitives elements in place – slightly jarring shimmery guitar, solid bass and sweet vocal harmonies and a rousing sing-a-long chorus riding a pounding, fresh as a daisy beat as Tracy Tracy contemplates a lack of ambition as a lifestyle choice…whilst the bizarrely titled ‘Squeak ‘N’ Squawk’ relies upon Tig’s powerhouse beats to propel us through this bitter sweet put down to a scorned lover – Tracy Tracy’s vocals have warmth which perfectly compliment the underlying buzz-saw riffs that effortlessly arch back to those ‘Really Stupid’ days of past.

Flip over to ‘Oh Honey Sweet’…the distortion is stripped back to reveal a breezy 60’s checkerboard pop classic, Paul delivers a sugary sweet vocal perfectly complimented by Tracy Tracy’ harmonies, the step away from the more usual noise is instantly beguiling…likewise ‘Same Stuff’ which veers off into psych tinged garage with a wonderfully nagging surf riff carving its way over a solid bass riff.

‘New Thrills’ is exactly that; but the key to creating something new is not to forget the past – and that’s where The Primitives excel; with a further nod to the nascent years of rock ‘n’ roll they have crafted four original tracks that pinpoint their future yet stand alongside any of their past hits.