Album Review: Tio Rico – Shit Show Pony

If your dearest and heartfelt wish is for an album of sensitive ballads from Manchester grunge trio Tio Rico, I’m afraid Shit Show Pony is going to be a massive disappointment and will not be for you. If you are, however, looking forward to a mighty slab of masterful, filthy, grungy punk rock, you’re in for an absolute treat with this one.

Tio Rico formed in 2014 and Shit Show Pony is their debut full-length. It is, according to the band, a closer reflection of their grunge and punk roots than previous recordings, and an album that captures their song-writing prowess and influences. It is a raw and powerful piece of work that distils the energy of the live experience. It is also under-produced in that it’s not layers and layers of polished sound. For the most part it’s the trademark driving, growling bass/high-energy guitar riffing/thunderous drums and vocals three-piece methodology. But what there is, is monumentally tough and right in your face, a muscular and confrontational sound that evokes the dirtier moments of Motörhead – a reference also captured occasionally in the gruff vocal performances. But this is definitely not metal. This is fast-paced, balls-out, dirty grunge, full of fire and furious energy. And yet with all that, there are still unexpected singalong moments (Permanent, for instance) that demonstrate a real grasp of the idea that melody does not need to be sacrificed on the altar of power and is evocative of bands like Therapy? Who captured that marriage of grinding power and tunefulness.

Ten brutally short portions of speeding, feedback-drenched, exhilarating grunge that has all the makings of becoming a classic and long overdue debut album. Possibly the most thrilling 24 minutes’ listening you’ll get this year.

Shit Show Pony by Tio Rico is out on November 22^nd on Horn & Hoof Records.

Tio Rico can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and YouTube