I am a lucky man. I have seen Sleuth Gang live three times in the last couple of months, all as part of their triumphant performances, which saw them win the 2024 Fulford Arms Battle Of The Bands contest. Now they have released an EP, ‘Initiation’. It encapsulates everything that is so great about them and they have managed to capture 100% of just how good they sound in the live environment. These tracks are incredibly powerful. If you are familiar with the band you will already know the mountainous singles “Pity Party” and “Sleuth Season”. On top of that, you get a few more banging, anthemic songs, especially the magnificent “Headshot”.
The Clash sang about the last gang in town in a song of the same name “Everybody’s looking for the last gang in town. You better watch out for they’re all comin’ around“. Well maybe the Clash were seen as the last gang in town, but now there is a new and truly fucking awesome gang in town and they are called Sleuth Gang. I have never been interested in joining a gang, but Sleuth Gang is now the gang to be in!
There are influences from Beastie Boys, 70’s punk (including the Clash), the Specials, Grime, harder-edged hip-hop, and Enter Shikari. But they still sound like no one else. Sleuth Gang wear their passions and opinions on their sleeves and they have no fear in confronting issues that other bands steer clear of. They stand up for those without a voice and those who are not heard. I bloody love them and this EP is a taster for a massive future for Sleuth Gang. Stop looking for overpriced Oasis tickets and similar stuff and get yourself along to a Sleuth Gang gig, this band is the real deal and they will not disappoint you! Now is the time, now is the season, now is Sleuth Season!
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