Brighton’s Ranting makes highly infectious, riff-driven indie-rock music that is tighter than a new pair of skinny jeans.
The band says their new single “Snakes & Ladders” is “a ditty about how our parents’ generation had everything (and still do); a house, children, a second car, and holidays at Disneyland. We can’t even afford the water bill.”
Wasting absolutely no time, the track opens with a fantastically punchy, urgent sound. Like electrified needles on my skin, the spiky guitar riff leaps out with the venom of a king cobra. It’s one of the best minimalist riffs I’ve heard in years!
I always like to hear a clear English accent in a song, and there’s a definite Blur-esque cadence to Adam Macaulay’s vocals, which is really warm and characterful. The backing vocals also have that evocative campiness that adds so much flavour to a track. The whole thing gave me serious Brit-pop flashbacks.
The guitars growl and bite perfectly. There’s plenty of funk, too. It’s all topped off with a crisp, soaring solo that writhes and convulses like an electric eel. This is perfectly orchestrated melodic indie-punk.
Ranting says “Snakes & Ladders” is the jewel in their crown: The live favourite, the singalong. I can totally understand why. This song is completely undeniable.
“Can’t afford the bills
We’re a long way from Beverly Hills!”
I think Ranting deserves a huge following. For my part, I added “Snakes & Ladders” to my playlist straight away. Hopefully, they can avoid the snakes in the industry and quickly climb up that career ladder. Rant over.
Take a listen to “Snakes & Ladders” and follow Ranting on their socials below.
Written by Grubby
