Project Description
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SO I SAYS TO MABEL
‘Make Your Mark’
EP Review
(2nd August, 2024)
Review by Melanie Griffiths
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So I Says to Mabel, a punk trio from Western Sydney, are blending rough edges with melodic finesse in their latest release. “Make Your Mark” bristles with carefree defiance as it delves into issues like rage, frustration and looking toward the future. It’s a spirited high-energy ride with much to unpack so let’s rip it open.
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Opening with “Fake Happy” it’s a melodic skater punk track combining catchy riffs with emotionally charged melodies. Starting at a slow jog, it breaks into a run with a fast-paced drumbeat. The vocals are that uniquely Western Sydney twang juxtaposed by additional gruff vocals. A couple of power chords in the pre-chorus give the song a bright sound, while the second half of the song shifts into a more dynamic progression where the band tears it up. Driving guitars and thumping syncopated rhythms contrast nicely before coming to an explosive end.
With barely a chance to breathe, the band thunders into “Say It” bristling with a rebellious, surly attitude, “Got something to say/ Everytime/ Say it to my face…”. Combining melodic singing with a raw shouted delivery, the vocal style sits sweetly in the aggressive pace of the mix. The frenetic drumming and rapid hi-hat hits propel the track along like you’re either tearing down the highway or falling off a cliff. Even the basslines have something to give with its consistent pace creating that feeling of exhilarating urgency. We can only imagine how this would pop off at a live gig.
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Turning up the heat is the MO of this EP as “We’re Not the Same” combusts in a flurry of raw-edged punk rock increasing its momentum relentlessly. Despite the gritty approach, the song traverses the line of playfulness and youthful passion with So I Says to Mabel’s uncomplicated approach to the songwriting. This straightforward attitude means the hooks are catchy, exuding crisp bravado capturing your attention from the first bar and keeping your attention to the end. This is one song that you’ll be singing in the chorus before the last riff fades out.
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And as soon as it started we hit the apex of “Make Your Mark” with “Get out the Way”, a powerful anthem that sums up this band’s raw intensity. With that familiar commanding drumbeat, the song kicks off with a shot. Intentionally gritty, capturing the ferocious vibe of the group its punchy tone smashes through. Slide that next to the lyrics of “Don’t be scared/ To find your way/ To show the world, that you’re not waiting/ Get out the way!” and what you have is a closing anthem bristling with optimism.
So I Says to Mabel shows that skater punk is alive and kicking with a snarly smile for anyone keen to listen. Their EP “Make Your Mark” hits all the right touchpoints to raise your blood pressure and make you believe that despite our struggles and disillusionment, we can still fight for change.
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About SO I SAYS TO MABEL
So I Says to Mabel are a 3-piece punk band from Western Sydney. Known for their fusion of grit and grace to form their own brand of poppy skate-punk, their second EP ‘Make Your Mark’ – released on 26 July – presents themes of discontent, anger, hopefulness and positivity against chunky riffs, catchy melodies, surging bass and barraging drum beats.
SISTM’s live show embraces a heavy playfulness where it is always a competition to see who can get the highest step count, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes!
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Follow SO I SAYS TO MABEL
Linktree – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify
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Press Release 26th July 2024 (below) HERE
Sydney punk artists
SO I SAYS TO MABEL
release their latest EP
MAKE YOUR MARK
– Out Now!
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