RECORD REVIEW: The Coathangers’ ‘Parasite’ EP

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Parasite by The Coathangers

Beloved Atlanta punk three-piece the Coathangers’ Parasite EP (Suicide Squeeze) could serve as an outline for a crash course of the group’s history and maturation, encapsulating their strongest qualities into five songs.

The anthemic title track is a return to the time of the group’s early house show days in the local music scene circa 2007. The one-minute jam is packed with Julia Kugel’s power chord progressions, Meredith Franco’s looming bass, Stephanie Luke’s blaring drums and the trio’s shouted vocals. “Wipe Out” offers more of the same, further embellished with melodic vocals, noisy breakdown riffs, fuller structure and, of course, handclaps.

The EP hits a sweet spot with the first single “Captain’s Dead,?۝ luring listeners in with hook-line-and-sinker bass and drums, quirky organ and sing-along chorus. The track maintains the Coathangers’ trademark grime with a high-fretted speedy guitar solo in the break before diving right back into a tumultuous sway. An alternative version of the previously released “Down Down” follows, tempered here with fuller guitar and bass slides, less abrasive drums and standout vocals repeating: “It’s just the way that it goes/Don’t worry, baby.” Originally released on 2016’s Nosebleed Weekend, the track carries new weight and tone in light of more recent developments in the American political climate following the presidential election. With closing song “Drifter,” Luke steps away from the drums to sing a blue-eyed soul-inspired number with hints of surf and reverb leaving listeners to drift off into sea.

Parasite stays true to the Coathangers’ purgative yet endearing nature. In just 12 minutes, the group showcases their major facets while maintaining irreverence; producing grit and grunge with illustrious shine, and still knowing how to get down while lifting spirits up. ? Aja Arnold