Spawning from the beautiful Emerald Island, Etc seems to be attracting a lot of attention among the specialised press (their bandcamp notes mention positive reviews from the Guardian UK, Wall Street Journal, and BBC), to the point of receiving the praises of a mastodontic legend of the music industry such as Nile Rodgers. Now, if Nile Rodgers pays you a compliment, it means you are doing something right (come on, he gets platinum albums at the same frequency that I but bread at).
The band lables themselves as "psychopop". If this definition doesn't sound familiar, I'd describe them as an alternative rock ensemble, with a strong post-punk component, but with a much more guitar-driven sound compared to the more bass-centred standards of the genre.
The album places the four most energetic tracks at the start. Expect fast riffs, rock and roll rhythms, frantic drums (my writsts hurt just by listening to the charleston in "Dumb Waiter"). The combination of clean and overdriven guitars results in a very vintage atmosphere that smells of surf rock and psychobilly (oh, now I see where the psychopop denomination might have come from).
The rest of the album focuses more on laid back vibes, with the acoustic guitars claiming more space, and the tempos generally slowing down. The energy is still there (check out the robust riffs in "Pretty Fall" and "Bungalow" for example), but it seems that the focus is shifting more towards the construction of a decadent ambience, perfect scenario for the vocals to deliver their exquisitely bitter lyrics. Themes like disillusionment, failure, loneliness are represented through vivid images, such as the former gifted student consuming themself stacking shelves in the supermarket.
The production is very well curated, not too polished but greatly balanced nonetheless, with the perfect mix of clarity and roughness.
As I said in other occasions, the Irish scene rarely disappoints, and this "Shirkers Circus" is definitely a great backup for my statement. Make sure to not miss out on it!