The Howlers: Heavy

The Howlers’ new album, Heavy, has just come kicking and screaming into the world. They call their style desert rock, so think Queens of the Stone Age or Kings of Leon, though I’d also throw Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Killers and even hints of Arctic Monkeys into the mix.

Ferocious guitars and pounding drums make way for synths on the more upbeat songs. But there are slower, more heartfelt tracks here too, like ‘Once in a Lifetime’ and album closer ‘Goodbye’. ‘Goodbye’ is stripped back to just acoustic guitar and vocals, a brave move that more than works. Songs like ‘Night Crawling’, meanwhile, have the sleazy swagger of Suede at their filthiest.

“Desert rock with the sleazy swagger of Suede at their filthiest.”
— Marq Sutton, NottsRocks

Really, though, it’s the band’s knack for writing a good hook that makes this collection so catchy. There are big topics here, including love, loss and mental health, but they’re all wrapped up in big beats and singalong choruses. I’m told their live shows have to be seen to be believed, and I’m looking forward to seeing these tracks played out, unfortunately I’m double booked tonight!

The Howlers play Rough Trade Nottingham tonight, Tuesday 13th October. Their new album, Heavy, is out now.