Biting Elbows

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In the heart of Moscow city, Russian indie-punks Biting Elbows emerge with their self-titled debut album out of a fog of influences. From the likes of Rancid, Green Day, King Blues, and The Clash, this influential fog clings to the quartet’s sound, making it a long play of bittersweet angst, juxtaposing ska chords, and sour rhythm. With strong themes, it’s sadly only the lyrical content that makes this quartet even slightly different to the rest. A difference so minimal, they're certainly not the bright light leading the way, but they certainly contribute to the genre’s visibility.

The opening cry of “Some folks got the patience of the angels. Not me, my heart, well, it yearns for vengeance” instantly gives this album an air of teenage breakup anger. From the forthcoming single ‘Toothpick’, these lyrics are conducted by down tempo ska tones. ‘The Enjoyers’ is a reminder of what Green Day used to deliver back in the days of Nimrod, whilst songs such as ‘World’s Most Important Something’ and ‘Hype Waltz’ have a more indie character, but still adopt a fierce punk vocal line. With themes of police violence, global injustice, and revenge, this long play is a punch of opinion with attitude - but sadly not to a backdrop of musical ingenuity.