Inspired by an eclectic mix of revolutionaries including Velvet Underground, Kate Bush, Tool, Prodigy, Yes, Clash, David Bowie and Pink Floyd, Shaven Primates are a four-piece dark wave and art rock band from Oxford who have been around since 2017.

By Graeme Smith

They’ve previously featured on our blog three times, with an inclusion in Jane’s The Pit round up, a review of their album Birds Aren’t Real, and an interview. Now they’re back with their latest EP, Chasing The Dragon.

For this EP, Shaven Primates are promising a grittier sound from their previous album. Things get going dark and moody style through Airwaves. You instantly get the Pink Floyd inspiration through its atmosphere-building instrumental, giving us nods to Dark Side of The Moon. Its lyrics speak of a media obsession with “winning” and success, suggesting a connection with those around us might be the ultimate victory. A monster guitar solo proves an early highlight.

Babooshka sees Shaven Primates take on the Kate Bush classic in a way only they could, giving it a hard rock edge and reversing the genders. I’ll Quit Tomorrow then rounds off the EP with a longing, looping, lingering tale of trying to kick the habit. The growling vocals have plenty of character as they build to a cathartic chorus.

Shaven Primates are able to combine the familiar, the unexpected, and the completely original to create their sound and I think their new EP is their best collection yet. Chasing The Dragon is out now and you can give it a listen below.