Album Review: CLT DRP – Nothing Clever, Just Feelings (Venn Records)

Brighton feminist electro/punk trio CLT DRP will release of their second album ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings’ on September 8th, 2023 via Venn Records. It is the follow-up to their critically-lauded 2020 debut ‘Without the Eyes’.

You’d have to be living in a deep cave to have not felt the vibrations caused by the release of CLT DRP’s debut release. Such was the impact, such was the chorus of voices shouting its praise, and such was the strength of feeling it created in souls. They really don’t need to do anything too different to ensure this follow-up is a massive success, but that’s not the CLT DRP way, it seems.

Call them alternative, call them punk, call them pop, call them electro… call them whatever you want, to have any understanding of what this band is, you simply have to listen to them. They are a revelation in the ‘alternative’ scene, polarising with every track, but building up a rabid fanbase. For every person that loves the insanity of their sound, there will be another who hates it. CLT DRP are that kind of band, and it’s easy to see the point of view of both.

Nothing Clever, Just Feelings is a challenging listen for those used to more ‘conventional’ structure and musicality. CLT DRP don’t follow any rules and the result can be both inspiring and frustrating. As brilliant as it is bonkers, the album is one of the most genre-crossing records heard this year. Electro-punk at its core, many of these tracks wouldn’t sound out of place at a rave while others sound like they should be blasted out in a scuzzy basement venue.

As a starting point, the contrast between the likes of NEW BOY, the title track, I See My Body Through You, and Desire / 1 on 1 is startling. Each sounding so different, but when heard in the context of this record, they work really well together.

There are some sure-fire hits on this record but none more obvious than the sexy and sleazy M.U.T.M. Although the straight-talking and anthemic Cake 4 the Women, the brilliantly catchy Daily Affirmations (some of the album’s best lyrics), and the beauty of Easier Than This, can’t be ignored. When CLT DRP are on, they’re really freaking on. It’s these bangers that most will remember and it’s these bangers that will help this band’s rise continue with aplomb once the masses have had their mind-bended by this record.

CLT DRP – Nothing Clever, Just Feelings Track Listing:

1. NEW BOY
2. Nothing Clever, Just Feelings
3. I See My Body Through You
4. Desire / 1 on 1
5. M.U.T.M
6. Cake 4 The Women
7. Only One
8. Daily Affirmations
9. The Door
10. Easier Than This
11. I Put My Baby To Sleep

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