HWDU are a Swansea-based rock band describing themselves as ‘space punks’ – it might seem like an odd description, but it’s somehow suitably apt. Their EP, Better You Than Me, was released back at the start of this month and sounds as eccentric as you might expect from such a band – they’ve got a fantastic sound though, and one that deserves to be heard!
By Jane Howkins
Machine opens the EP up suitably with some killer indie style guitar riffs – however, don’t be fooled by this, as HWDU are definitely a rock band through and through. The vocals are high and have a unique quality to them, fitting well with the frantic beat. The bass is also really prominent alongside the guitar riffs, which is very nice to hear. The track breaks down slightly towards the end of the song, although the cool guitar licks are still very present, tailing off in all directions.
Better You Than Me is pretty similar to the previous song when it starts up, with an amazing set of guitar riffs kicking things off nicely. The song is full of energy from the start – the guitars on the verses have a really cool, catchy sound, accentuated further by the melodic vocals. One of the things I love about this band is how they still manage to have an infectious sound, despite the heaviness of the music – this works particularly well with the grungy style on this song.
President is more of a straight up punk rock song, having a faster tempo than the previous tracks on the EP. The vocals sound a little rawer, but they suit the punky edge the track has, with the lyrics having a political sense that also seems absolutely right for this tune. The chorus repeats the title refrain over and over again, making you want to sing along instantly. The tempo drops slightly after the chorus, bringing more of a bluesy sound to proceedings.
Squat changes things up completely – the opening guitar line is very country, adding a rockabilly sound to HWDU’s music. It’s this willingness to change that really sets the band apart from their peers – fans of Social Distortion should find something of interest here. The harmonica is used very effectively, set against the spaghetti western style guitars that perpetuate the tune. This is one of my favourite songs on the entire EP.
White Horse starts out in true rock and roll fashion, featuring heavy riffs and a huge drum section that make you want to bang your head along instantly. Once the verses appear, a more unique percussion style appears, complete with cowbell. The guitars are sporadic, with the bass throbbing along in the background, before everything crashes down again. HWDU are a band that constantly keep you guessing!
Lotus Eater is one of the slowest songs on the EP, closing it down nicely. Little guitar motifs cross over each other, helping to set a somewhat eerie atmosphere. The track slowly builds up, raising the tension until the song properly kicks in, as proggy guitar lines run through the music as it continues on. The vocals eventually appear, but it’s the guitars that really stand out here, showing a band that are very technically able!
HWDU is a fantastic band, combining multiple different genres together in their music. Better You Than Me sounds really epic and there should be something for every rock/punk fan here, with so many different genres crossing into one. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from HWDU in the future!
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