ADDICTION, DEBT, apathy, helplessness - life depicted by The Clockworks is grim, but they are one of the few indie bands to deal directly with the realites for those who do not fall comfortably within the Leo Varadkar's 'people who get up early in the morning' definition.
Despite their very young years, The Clockworks have never shied away from broaching difficult subjects, and this long awaited debut EP delivers four unflinching depictions of individuals - and a generation - out of their depth and struggling.
From Galway, The Clockworks - James McGregor (vocals, guitar ), Seán Connelly (guitar, vocals ), Damian Greaney (drums ), and Tom Freeman (bass ) - have seriously impressed and this EP showcases their signature sound - taut rhythms, sharp metronomic riffs, and stripped back, gritty atmospherics, allied to a knack for an anthemic hook.
The Libertines are an obvious touchstone, but whereas Pete Doherty in 'Time For Heroes' lamented "You'll die in the class you were born", The Clockworks paint a darker picture on 'The World Owes Me A Favour': "I'll die in over-draft. I'll die in the underclass." That song also contains the brilliant line: "The status quo never changes that's why we use the Latin".
Previous single 'Rumours In The Stockroom' works well on this EP, as does the post-punk opener 'Bills and Pills' which sets up the themes of addiction and debt which run throughout.
At The Greasy Spoon confirms the talent, ambition, and intelligence that has made The Clockworks such an exciting prospect. The great thing is, the best is still to come. They deserve to go far.
