From their origins in Melbourne in early 2016, Bench Press has continued to grow through releasing two singles, and now their debut self-titled album Bench Press has hit us. After listening to the release more than a couple of times, it’s no surprise that Bench Press was plucked from the crowd to join triple j unearthed project.
This new release includes 10 tracks, opening with ‘Hey Man’; a raw and unleashed song with strong vocals and a jagged mood. The record follows with tracks ‘Burning Up’, ‘I Don’t Like You’, ‘Wanna Go’, followed by the group’s latest single, ‘Group Anxiety’. ‘Powerless’ holds strong in the middle of the album, with venting lyrics and a throbbing bass, as well as a taunting feel.
The track list follows the life and changes of this up and coming band, with each song keeping to their rough and almost post-punk ideals. Their rusty and raw sound screams through in the closing track, ‘Passions’, a slow jam, building in riffs and beats concluding the album on a strong note.
Building their reputation over the past year, Bench Press can only go up from here.
4/5
Poison City Records
Reviewed by Sophie Barker