By Jim Rowland
Formed in 2023, Concrete Hyena is a collaboration between vocalist Jay Butler, formerly of ‘90’s underground punk heroes Realtv and post-millennial major mabel USA chancers Grand Theft Audio, and producer Jim Davies, original guitarist for the fledgling dance act Prodigy as well as being guitar slinger of Pitchshifter.
The new seven-track mini-album ‘Future Primitives’ is the first fruit of this collaboration, which features guest appearances by Jason Bowld (Bullet For My Valentine/PWEI) and Ritch Battersby (The Wildhearts).
The brilliantly named ‘Patchwork Guilt’, ‘Cut Me Mick’ and ‘Guns And Ammo’ are an explosive mix of energetic electronica and punchy rock, with ‘Patchwork Guilt’ having a hint of the 90’s funk rock style pioneered by the likes of Faith No More.
‘Hi! I’m Radio Mike’ and ‘Last Song We’ll Ever Sing’ head in a more hard-hitting pure electronic dance direction, with ‘Dark Times On Floor 94’ and ‘Oddball’ having a similarly electronic oriented vibe, but heading down a darker route.
A fine fusion of spikey guitar rock and hard-hitting electronics, ‘Future Primitives’ is an impressive first offering from Concrete Hyena, and a powerful sign of intent.
- ‘Future Primitives’ is released today (Friday 31 July).