German Shepherd Records Reissue Four Candles “Alternative Golf” EP

Originally released in June 2020 German Shepherd Records are reissuing the final EP from the first line-up of Four Candles. Comprising four eclectic tracks we find the group at the height of their powers with two epic progressive slow ones and two manic shorter punky pieces. The epic opener, Doughnuts, brings in bassoon, trumpet, piano, and cello to broaden the sound in a piece of melodic magic, a totally new direction for the band. The middle two are more typical of the punk roots of the  group, intense bass, huge swathes of guitar, manic drumming and an exercise in vocal excess typical of Ian Moss aka Ian Fourcandles. The Closer, Requiem, slows things down for a slow build piece lasting nearly eight minutes, a gentle opening underlies a harrowing narrative of children dying in care homes before the song slowly builds to an intense and ferocious climax.

The EP was recorded at 6dB studios in Salford under the watchful eye and steady hand of Simon “Ding” Archer. Other than the single Death In Paradise this is the last release by the group with Jon Rowlinson on bass, his place subsequently taken by John Bardsley from The Ombudsmen. The group are currently rehearsing new material and will appear at Strummercamp 2021 on 29th August at Oldham Rugby Union Football Club.

You can stream and purchase Alternative Golf via German Shepherd Records