E.P. Review: God Shame The Queen – Public Service Announcement
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
It may only be a four-track EP but there’s more energy in these 15 minutes of music than many bands can spread over triple that time. Following the template laid down by the likes of The White Stripes, Royal Blood and The Inspector Cluzo, God Shame The Queen is a duo comprising David Kabbouri (drums/vocals) and Jack Monnaf (bass/vocals).
Formed over lockdown (how many times are we going to type that in the next 12 months?) they grab a stoner/punk vibe which they utilise to bring a fierce and fuzzy sound. Diving into the Boooom Room studio in Birmingham’s Jewellry Quarter, God Shame The Queen tackle public commentary head on with a political slant that is unsurprising given the current world climate.
These two are loud, very loud. The huge riff that cranks out the start of ‘Stains of Love’ is addictive, the pulverising approach reminiscent of a whole plethora of artists including The Stooges, Queens of The Stone Age and Frank Carter. It’s throbbing, bass heavy pummelling which roars along at high tempo. There are no slow songs on this release, merely heavy noise which backs up the band’s can-do attitude. Greedy is in your face, the vocals angry and shouty. ‘Desperia’, sung in Spanish and meaning ‘Wake Up’ is a call to arms. The title track even has a bass breakdown reminiscent of Cliff Burton’s ‘Anaesthesia (Pulling Teeth)’.
If you like music that stands toe to toe, gets in your face and refuses to back down, then God Shame The Queen will be a band you’ll want to give some attention.
