Purple’s debut album (409) is loud, brash and full of beans, with a big smile and an eye on a good time. This lively three-piece come on like a Texan take on UK indie favourites The Subways, but without the angst, and their exuberant garage punk rock with yelping, over-excited vocals is just the tonic for a wet autumn.
(409) is named after Purple’s East Texan area code and “Wallflower” kicks off with some serious swagger, as singer Hanna Brewer commands “I’m a girl. You’re supposed to be chasing me!” over Taylor Busby’s dirty riffs, while knocking seven bells out of her drum kit. This is just an introduction to a storm of grunge, riot grrrl and punk rock. Purple instantly ramp things up a gear and crank up the volume with the seriously raw rock ‘n’ roll of “Double Nickels” and “Thirteen” with its in-your-face refrain of “Give me the love but not the disease!”.
It’s not all break-neck speed guitars and squealing vocals on (409) though. “Leche Loco” and “Liquor” add a seriously funky and dirty blues groove to the mix as well as some heavy bass from Joe Cannariato. While “Beach Buddy” is a nice bit of slacker surf pop with Brewer and Busby sharing some sublime vocals which bring to mind John Doe and Exene Cervenka of original LA punk rockers, X. However, final song “DMT” is where (409) really reaches its peak. This is mad high energy punk rock with a lust for life and a skin-full of beer. “Hey! It’s a feeling I just choose” yells Hanna Brewer and there is really no alternative but to agree wholeheartedly.
There’s nothing particularly deep about this album but Purple certainly sound like they know how to have a good time, and sometimes that is all that’s needed.
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