When On Tick released their debut album, Nothing New, towards the end of 2021 they were already in a state of change as it had been recorded as a trio of brothers Brendan (vocals and drums) and Aidan O’Loughlin (vocals, guitar) along with bassist Matt Hammond who also produced it, but they had now brought in Matt Perry to play bass while Matt H had moved to lead guitar. In 2023 things have changed again in that Matt H is now concentrating on {Pale Flag}, while Matt P is also not involved any longer, so it is back to just Brendan and Aidan. These six songs were taken from live rough takes from Tin Dolphin, with Matt H playing on the first two songs and the outro of the fourth, and Aidan providing the rest of the bass, and he then mixed and mastered it in his home studio. At one time I was seeing the trio play quite regularly, but due to the band going on hiatus for a while I actually can’t remember the last time it was, but I am sure I will be catching up with again soon as since this was recorded, they have secured the services of a new bassist in Antony Maday.
This release has a very different sound indeed to the earlier album, and they also made the decision not to release any songs ahead of it as they want people to hear it all the way through as opposed to just single tracks, and this is certainly much more raw and rough than previously. Whereas previously rough edges have been smoothed over, here they have been exaggerated with Brendan being given full rein to blast around the kit with the brothers also not worrying about singing in tune but rather allow the passion of full-on hardcore punk to be unleashed. That is not to say this is all a riot, and closer Feel Like I’m Scripted is 13 minutes in length, working through multiple sections and styles.
Overall, this feels much more like a late 70’s punk demo as opposed to an album from 2023, as the guys mix it up and provide low-key indie production which ensures everyone knows this is from the heart. It will be good to catch up with the guys on the circuit again soon, as in many ways this feels more honest to what they are in concert than Nothing New, as they have gone right back to their roots.
Rating: 5/10
