Album Review | Table Scraps – ‘Autonomy’

Table Scraps are a band that have been on the cusp of something big for quite some time. Since their early releases ‘Bug’ and ‘Electricity’ , which led them to their debut album More Time For Strangers. This was a rather successful release, gaining some great reviews from The Line of Best Fit and Louder Than War, as it had a raw edge to it which was combined with a very loud and abrasive approach. However as good as that album was, it sometimes takes several good releases to earn a great reputation, which is what Autonomy will do.

The album sees the band play to their strengths and once again return to those animalistic hooks along with those mind-thumping drum parts.  The album opens up with the leading single from the album ‘Sick of Me’ which has these really straight guitars combined with these Strokes-like Lo-Fi vocals, as they sound extremely muffled which add to the texture of the song. The solo on the track is also noteworthy, even though it does only last for a short time it’s still great hearing it.

It continues with this tone throughout the album, as these fast paced tracks just seem to roll by while causing a riot along the way. The evil sounding hook on the following song ‘Always Right’ sounds so sinister, it’s perfect. ‘I’m a Failure’ has certain anthemic feel to it, as you could easily hear a crowd shouting the line “I’m a Failure” straight back at the band at a live performance.

There’s definitely a punk streak running through this album as a lot of the songs come under the 3 minute line, with ‘Lyin’ Thru Yer Teeth’ and ‘Frankenstein’ falling under the 2 minute mark. However this factor doesn’t harm the overall product in the slightest, as ‘Lyin’ Thru Yer Teeth’ is one of the highlights of the album, purely because of the punky hookline that could easily cause a riot.

The vocal work is something that is consistant throughout the entire record, as it sounds like they’re trapped and isoloted-only adding to the haunting essence that band carry off so well.

‘Treat Me Like Shit’ is another standout performer on the album, as once again the sound of the guitar along with the hook mesh so well together with the vocals-achieving that trademark Table Scraps sound. You also have this cool element in the background which sounds like a satellite going out of control adding depth to the track.

The record finishes off with ‘Do It All Over Again’ which could be seen as a message to go ahead and play the record from the very start. Even though it’s not the heaviest track on the album, it’s increasingly catchy with a lo-fi tinge. Table Scraps manage to walk across several genres witout it sounding contrived, it seems they’ve unearthed this original sound that’s exclusive to them and it’s very natural. Yes there are bands that sound somewhat similar, however combined with the vocals it gives them a completly different energy.

This album is another convincing argument to why Table Scraps are so damn good, to do it over two albums is impressive and should be recognised. The band firmly have a unique sound and know the lengths that they can go to with it, which will be interesting to see where else they can take it. Their music is so in your face and carefree, it’s not hard to understand why their gigs can be so hectic. It’s another great outing for Table Scraps, one that will definitely gain them even more well deserved recognition. Onwards and Upwards!

8/10

Words by Alex Wise @AJWise