The (r)evolution is here! If you’ve followed the career of Tairrie B. Murphy at all then you know it’s been an interesting one to say the least. It’s a career that got even more interesting when multi-instrumentalist Mick Murphy entered the fray some twenty plus years ago now for a pairing that has, again and again, proven to be fortuitous and fascinating to behold. And now that fruitful pairing is back as SWTEVL with twenty introductory tracks of new school Rawk (Yes, kids, RAWK) on a vibrant double album that’s definitely something you haven’t heard from either Murphy yet.
We hesitate to say that SWTEVL is a peak for the Murphy’s because that would imply that there’s some kind of valley coming eventually so maybe let’s call Very Truly Yours, the debut double album from the duo, a career highlight for now as it definitely sounds like the start of something special. And what does SWTEVL sound like exactly? Take one listen through either of the singles released previously for the abridged version which leans more towards a Danzig circa I-IV vibe or even a Turbonegro tone over the more Hardcore Rap and Nu-Metal beginnings that vocalist Tairrie B. came from. But that’s not to say those influences aren’t still there which is one of the many reasons that Very Truly Yours is a must listen for all.
“Hot Damn” is a pretty good indication of what’s to come with a straight up Rawk and roller bolstered by Mick Murphy’s fiery riffage and Tairrie B.’s always aurally appeasing vocal flow that delves into consent before the swanky snarl of “Ride Or Die” cruises in and lays the groundwork for the more call and response nature of SWTEVL vocally. The aforementioned singles fall in line back-to-back on Very Truly Yours with “Hellzapoppin'” rippin’ and roarin’ along nicely with what’s come so far and “Monochrome” really starting to delve into the diverse sound here as Murphy’s guitars wail in the background and Tairrie B. declares “It’s film noir for the avant garde” which is pretty fitting considering the sonic surroundings throughout.
“Black Licorice” almost has an old school Manhole aesthetic at least in the swag that Tairrie B. brings to her vocal performance with those Hip-Hop influences bleeding through alongside big grooves and some heavy riffin’ from Murphy on a track that could also be the SWTEVL mantra as Tairrie B. posits: “We’re not for everyone, dear/An acquired taste that’s clear/And those who get it/Are gonna love it”. Next up is rollickin’ rawker “Shame On You” complete with a cool band name shout out followed later by the slithering slow burn of “The Greatest Trick” that’s answered with a shreddy call to arms for Women’s Rights during “Solidarity”.
Kicking off the unofficial second half of Very Truly Yours, “Negative Space” emphasizes the call and response vocal nature with Murphy’s laid back delivery giving us all the Scott Hill of Fu Manchu feels before Tairrie B. drops another anthemic chorus. “Strut” hangs back just slightly tempo-wise but re-ups on the swag factor again for a gnarly ditty that lets the SWTEVL collective vocal ferocity fly off, “Hiss Off” is a prominent riff machine, and “Shot Caller” is a riotous hard hitter.
“In A Heartbeat” infuses a dose of Sludge and Desert Rawk into the SWTEVL sonic palette with “Low Vibe Motherfuckers” getting its’ Punk on for a modern Dead Kennedys feel with Tairrie B. absolutely commanding the mic. “Call To Action” is a punchy proponent of pro-choice, “Bulletproof” explores more of Murphy’s dynamic guitar wizardry, and “Soft Focus” is a rad beaut that’s hypnotic with an almost Post-Rawk-like style before the “The Kill” comes in and continuously slays for one ferociously fitting final number.
Very Truly Yours arrives through Magick Room Recordings on December 15th. To find out where you can get your copy to stream or download as soon as it drops and all the other info you need to keep up-to-date on all things SWTEVL, head here.