Mclusky: We are still here, and so is the world
The mention of Mclusky often sparks laughter. This Welsh noise-rock band, founded in 1996, embraced absurdity from the start. With tracks like ‘The World Loves Us And Is Our Bitch’ and ‘Kkkitchens, What Were You Thinking?’, it’s evident they never took themselves seriously. Beyond the humor, the band released three acclaimed studio albums before disbanding in 2005. After a slow return that commenced in 2014, they now present ‘the world is still here and so are we’, marking their first album in two decades. Song titles like ‘kafka-esque novelist franz kafka’ and ‘the battle of los angelsea’ confirm frontman Andrew “Falco” Falcous’s continued talent for whimsical non-sequiturs. Could it be that beneath the relentless wit, Mclusky has matured?
The album opens with ‘unpopular parts of a pig’, showcasing its familiar mix of scratchy guitar, distorted bass, and dynamic drumming. A mere eighteen seconds in, we’re treated to a classic Mclusky moment: a spoken-word section transitioning into a cacophony of riffs and screams. These unexpected shifts in energy were effective twenty years ago and remain just as thrilling in 2025, propelling the album forward. Mclusky is not simply following old patterns; tracks like ‘cops and coppers’ with its offbeat stabs and primal drumming, and ‘the digger you deep’ featuring bluesy, sleazy rock instrumentation, illustrate a willingness to explore new territory.
‘Way of the exploding dickhead’ emerges as a standout track, with lyrics poking fun at exorbitantly priced concert tickets and an outrageous video featuring a perpetually twerking gym-goer. Falco’s penchant for caustic social commentary shines through in songs like ‘People person’, where the chorus “I’m just a normal man, I’m not a people person” resonates with those who favor solitude. Yet, it is the cryptic and enigmatic tracks on the album that truly captivate. ‘Chekov’s guns’ juxtaposes seemingly unrelated imagery to comedic effect.
Comparisons are bound to be drawn between ‘the world is still here and so are we’ and the band’s classic 2002 album ‘Mclusky Do Dallas’. The latter is celebrated for its infectious pop hooks, menacing basslines, and witty one-liners. However, dwelling on the past overlooks the growth evident in the newest release. Mclusky has returned with a refined songwriting style born of years of experience. While their irreverent humor remains intact, there’s a fresh creativity to their music, shaped by the various projects pursued by Falco and drummer Jack Egglestone over the past two decades. Playful, incisive, and explosive, Mclusky is back in action, proving that their evolution has only enhanced their distinct voice in the music scene.