Is This Music? review
Swallow the Rockets
Say Dirty Records
Peter Parker’s debut single has an infectious quality that grabs you right from the start, as Roz Davies’ rapid vocal delivery combines with a deliciously scuzzy guitar riff. Roz’s vocals are pleasingly punchy and abrasive, a bit like when you’re in a bad mood and want to start an argument for no reason.
Everything about this song- the vocals, guitar, bass and drums- just sounds right. ‘Swallow The Rockets’ is the kind of exciting, messed-up pop that makes you want to pogo like a hyperactive child who has just smashed their neighbours’ window with a football. There’s nothing contrived, no fancy bells and whistles, just a band who know what a killer tune sounds like. And make no mistake, ‘Swallow The Rockets’ is a killer tune.
‘Temper Temper’, the B-side, is pretty nifty as well. From the disjointed, punky verse to the catchy-as-hell chorus, it’s a brilliantly addictive, sharp-edged pop song. More of this please!
Gavin Porter
DAILY RECORD By RICK FULTON
PETER PARKER - Swallow The Rockets
FROM the bratty punk of Poly Styrene-fronted X Ray Spex in the Seventies to Velvet Underground in the Eighties and Elastica in the Nineties, girls have always girls have been great at DIY music.
Peter Parker is made up of a trio of girls and a man called Jeremy. Swallow The Rockets is, for my money, one of the best Scottish debuts this year.
Sparky rhythm patterns are offset by a piercing guitar wail that bounces along with the drums. Singer Roz sounds like she's got the sass of Brody Dalle or Karen O but with the pop yelp of Clare Grogan in early Altered Images. B-side Temper Temper addsbass player Jane's vocals to great effect. There's more angular guitar and the great lyrical slapdown: "I don't need nothing from you but your grin and your bright blue eyes".
If Temper Temper is only a B-side Peter Parker are set for huge things. An infectious start.