httpvh://youtu.be/wfx7kSYZvNo
“I don’t like a certain kind / It’s a feeling I just choose”
What do we know about the color purple? It represents royalty, courage, and is very calming, to name but a few associations. To call this band royal and courageous is true–they’ve been shaking up the scene long before their debut album (409) dropped with an attitude destined for rockstar royalty. But to say they’re calming? Think again. The Texan trio have delivered an album designed to be listened to at full volume, ’til your speakers are shaking and you can’t hear yourself think–because this is a complete party from start to finish, and it does a better job of getting you out of your head than any shot of alcohol ever could.
Lead single “Wallflower” kicks off the album with a snarl and a musical hook more powerful than a physical one. This song is about wanting attention and it damn well achieves that, grabbing you by the throat and making you yell along to the lyrics. The staccato, gritty melody is about as irresistible as a hurricane, sweeping you up in the mayhem before bringing you back to the ground with a screeching solo that cuts through the noise like it’s nothing. “Beach Buddy” keeps the gritty upbeat tempo going, leaning heavily on creative bass riffs and a simplicity only a true summer song can achieve. The dual vocals from Taylor Busby and Hanna Brewer are at their best here–easily the poppiest track on the album–it suits the love song content matter, while still nailing their rough-and-ready style. Purple are a no-nonsense, straightforward punk rock show band. Don’t be fooled by the chaos, underneath it all is a band that know what they’re doing and they have a blast doing it. We promise after hearing the chorus, “I just want you to be my beach buddy” there’s a 110% chance you’ll sing this every time you go to the beach with your friends.
There’s a huge “screw you” attitude in every note of (409). Tracks like “Thirteen” and “Double Nickels” are guaranteed to leave a complete mess long before the last notes play out. “Lecho Loco” moves into more indie territory but remains one of the heavier songs on the album with huge bass lines reminiscent of Royal Blood, and Brewer’s vocals alternating between dreamy, echoing harmonies and animalistic screams. This song will take you through so many tempos, stylistic changes, and lyrical twists–but really, what more could you expect from a song called “crazy milk”?
(409) should come with a guarantee on the front cover: If it doesn’t put you in a party mood you deserve your money back. It’s simply that much of a safe bet. You’ve got punk, rock, and indie mashed together with pop sensibility but none of the theatricality. That’s because Purple are just here to party and they’re taking you along for the ride.
Rating: 8/10
Buy it, stream it, or skip it: Buy it
