With a name that doubles as a fitting indictment of popular society, the Media Whores have already earned one gold star. Or carrot, in this case. “Starfishing” is the maiden release from this Scottish quintet. No mincing of words on this release, that’s for sure. On this evidence, a less-than-healthy dosage of loud guitars, angry words and an apparent agenda will separate this act from the merely decent. Turn it up!
The title tracks begins in menacing fashion, with Doogie Mackie’s bass threatening to invoke the butterfly effect, so it’s only fitting that said bass should lead us into “That Awkward Question”. Although slowing the pace slightly, Craig Anderson’s vocals dominate this edgy-punk effort. An early observation? These guys are not going to fit with stereotypes. A band of this ilk simply don’t need to.
It’s not all political, though. No conscious Scotsman will be oblivious to the humour of “The Govan Princess” or “The Girl From Alldays”. The former is an unexpected – indeed, tongue-in-cheek – ode to the “lovely” girls from Southwest Glasgow. Not dissimilar, musically, the latter is a love song for the cute lassie who sells you groceries. Perhaps the Media Whores will prompt a tourism boost for Scotland on the basis of these patriotic songs? Maybe not, but we can hope.
“Sayonara (Blow Chernobyl)” is perhaps the most interesting track on the album, fully emphasising the political side to their appeal without compromising the musical ideals while “Born Again Fool” wastes no time in reeling in the listener with a jagged guitar lick. “Indiscretion” ends the album in suitably sinister fashion, leaving the listener wanting more but secretly fearing the apocalypse.
What the Media Whores have in “Starfishing” is what many bands have attempted to do and failed. It is, after all, an album of fine music that captures their sound with no make-up or pretensions. Punk’s not dead, it just smells different. Recommended for the independent of mind.