Glasgow-based alternative rockers Pizza Crunch first hit our blog in the Summer courtesy of a couple of singles, Wilting Youth and Romanticised Past, both of which feature on their new EP, That Serene Age.

By Graeme Smith

Alongside our coverage, the guys have been featured by BBC Radio 6 Music, played sold out shows in Glasgow, and taken their live performance to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Stockton Calling festival. The release of That Serene Age feels like a culmination of their efforts, and the end of a chapter, one that will likely bring bright, new ones to come.

Pizza Crunch play the kind of rock that fans of ’80s post-punk or ’00s alternative will appreciate, but they set themselves apart through their emotional lyrical content and some of their less-than-conventional influences (including Cliff Martinez soundtracks and controversial rapper Tyler The Creator). As such, That Serene Age is the kind of record that contains a surprise around every corner.

And those surprises start right from the off, with the gently hypnotic spoken-word intro of Entangled in a Myth, which flows into the vibrant, punchy Young Excitement. The aforementioned Romanticised Past comes as an early focus point. Dreamy as it is, with its strong sense of nostalgia, it’s the kind of feel-good Brit pop that would go down a storm at any festival.

Insignificant (And Without a Home) acts as a short, mid-point breather before we get Wilting Youth, the track whose subtle bright yet melancholic nuances first turned me onto the band. It most clearly articulates the EP’s theme of being stuck in a time of your life you’re not fond of. A New Man brings jangly, frenetic hedonism before the EP is rounded off by moody, atmospheric coda The Art of Not Giving a Fuck.

For me, That Serene Age solidifies what an exciting band Pizza Crunch are. They bring a sound that is both crowd-pleasing and cerebral and definitely deserve the attention they’re currently getting. I can’t recommend this EP enough. You can give the whole thing a listen below.