Non Applicable - The Same
By Eli Andrew
Scottish four-piece Non Applicable deliver a masterclass in indie-funk, laying down a groove and having fun with it. Immediately reminiscent of Red Hot Chili Peppers, particularly their funkier early work, the vocal sing/rap delivery is similar to a young Anthony Keidis or a Scottish Jamie T. The track is buoyant and full of energy; claps keep the beat in the background, along with the jangling of a tambourine. Sparkly indie guitar riffs radiate throughout, crisp but melodic, with the drums as clean as metronome.
As it hits the breakdown, ‘The Same’ switches it up (similar to the band’s previous effort ‘Julius Caesar’). Momentary silence ensues and you could be forgiven for thinking the track was over before the guitar fills the space, hammering up and down the neck. Metronomic drums jump in to keep it tight, with the bass letting loose, harmonising with the lead. It feels like an improv funk jam session, the pace picking up as the tune soars into overdrive. Instrumental performances here are stellar, but the drums are probably the showstopper. Manic guitars wail over pummelling beats, with the drum fills becoming more and more complex towards the climax. It’s clear Non-Applicable are having fun, and we’re here for it.