Deadbeat At Dawn – Dyscopia EP

Deadbeat At Dawn is a name that recalls Sam Raimi‘s Evil Dead movies and the mantra of the undead from those iconic films, so you could be forgiven for expecting yet another band following in the footsteps of The Misfits. The press shots, that depict them as a good natured post apocalyptic biker gang, also throws you a curve ball. However, the EP’s title, Dyscopia, a condition that relates to an inability to copy, does tell you everything you need to know, throw out your assumptions as this North Yorkshire quintet are not what you were expecting.

Like the majority of the releases I’m seeing at the moment, Dyscopia is a product of the seemingly endless run of lockdowns and restrictions in the UK, although there is no way you’d assume that this was written whilst partying was at an all time low. The band’s manifesto, Deadbeatology, explodes from your speakers in a minor riot of positivity that celebrates the band’s frantic and eclectic mix of punk, ska and hip-hop. This is followed by the ska punk of Green Inferno, a track that remains relentlessly upbeat despite taking on consumerism and it’s environmental impact. The second half of the EP quite rightly celebrates DIY culture with an energised blend of ska and punk that is Out Of Love, the love letter to the punk scene continues with Don’t Stop The Music. The latter features the vocals of Krissy from The Platitudes whose sweet tones act as a counterbalance to the twin vocal delivery of Aaron BeatUp and Mr. Dead.

The energy of Deadbeat At Dawn is undeniable and even on the EP’s one serious track the party energy is upfront and present. Like any good party it is nothing without a few guests, bringing new dimensions to Deadbeat At Dawn are members of The Platitudes, Nutty Skunk and The Bennies, as well are local musician Unity Shrimpton, the daughter of Deadbeat At Dawn’s bass player, Shrimp. The Dyscopia EP is a four track celebration that blends an infectious cocktail of punk, ska and hip hop, this hi-octane brew is served up, quite possibly in a pint glass, by a band who describe themselves as “Yorkshires most unprofessional idiot punks”.

The four track Dyscopia EP is to be self released on CD and digital formats tomorrow, the 28th June, and the band already have plans to release a brand new two track single which will hopefully coincide with lockdown restrictions finally being lifted, something that will mean that we can get back to hearing the music we love live, preferably in dank venues where your feet stick to the floor. Deadbeat At Dawn is the perfect soundtrack for this long awaited event, constantly upbeat and brimming with positivity, even when they’re warning you of a looming environmental disaster. This is simultaneously a ska punk apocalypso, the antidote to the lockdown blues, a party waiting to happen and an instant anti-depressant, and it’s also amongst the best releases I’ve heard this year.

You can pre-save Dyscopia here