The Yorkshire based quartet of Joe Pritchard (lead guitar), Tom Kelly (bass) Kristan Read (drums) and Joey Whitehead (vocals and guitar) formed in 2018 and have honed their frantic indie-punk sound, categorised by unconventional song structures and big hooks over five singles.
These early digital releases (‘Thank You Have a Nice Day’ in 2018, 'Like This to Die instantly', 'Ice Hockey', ‘Closing In’ and Craw’ all in 2019) have gained love from BBC Music, Spotify Fresh Finds and BBC Introducing.
Their sixth release, coming as a limited edition cassette and across digital platforms, is a satirical takedown of the rat race. ‘Shower’, and its surreal accompanying video, lament the 9 to 5 grind, with a man almost being controlled by his grey suit and his mundane surrounds, disconnected from his own identity and the parts of his life that matter.
“It reflects the way that we all feel in the band, being young professionals (mid to late 20s) in difficult jobs with limited experience and huge imposter syndrome,” explains Whitehead. “We are all having to shed our romantic views of the world, accept that most of the fun is behind us and that we now just must do our best with what we have.”
‘Sexyman’ may have started out as improvised studio joke, but expands from this to address bigger issues of a white privileged world, poking fun at the portrayal of Jesus Christ as an attractive Western man. Serious stuff not taken too seriously.
In this guise, he is a salesman, selling the concept of a saviour to people's chaotic and unhealthy lifestyles, which they willingly accept. The predatory nature of organised religion isn't always a normal subject matter for big riffed, indie floor fillers, but Pool Sharks are not about the usual.
“People usually just end up liking the chord sequence,” laughs Whitehead.
And what’s not to like? Pool Sharks music is abrasive, yet saccharine sweet. Time signatures dance, rhythms get funky, the sound is powerful but never overtly confrontational. It is accessibly challenging, understandably different. Lazy comparisons could find any number of indie-rock staples to compare them to, but closer listens uncover an affinity with Parquet Courts, the angular funk of Gang Of Four and the jangly bombast of the Cribs. There are even vocal cues from Thom Yorke and Protomartyr in the mix. Excavating Pool Shark’s sound uncovers new inspiration touchpoints with each listen.
“I look around at guitar music and yes there are definitely people out there making interesting stuff, but there’s also a LOT of straight-up post punk following the same rules and a LOT of jangly guitars and twinkly synth lines over lyrics about girls. I think we offer something with more variety and substance,” adds Whitehead.
But there is a lot that fans of the straight-up, modern take on post punk (Idles, Fontaines D.C, Shame) will love, and the melodies will sit nicely with the jangle-pop crowd, but Pool Sharks don't quite fit with either.
An exciting new band, searching for their place in the world, that feeds from the best parts of indie-rock, with experimental and existential flourishes? It’s easy to see why Safe Suburban Home picked Pool Sharks, and after a few listens you will too…