Besta Quadrada – S/T
Buffalo’s Besta Quadrada are back to break some balls with their brand new bratty and in-your-face self-titled debut LP.
Founded just two years ago by bassist Carol Mags (Outrage Factor) and guitarist John Toohill (Science Man, Alpha Hopper), the two set out to form a band with an abrasive sound akin to Black Flag and the Jesus Lizard. After recruiting drummer Steve Kerfian (Science Man), the final and pivotal piece of the puzzle fell into place with the addition of vocalist Bailey Arena, who surprisingly had no prior experience as a singer nor performer. With their line-up set, the band fast-tracked their first EP, 2023’s The First Four Weeks and Besta Quadrada was born.
On their full-length follow-up, the band serves up ten new unapologetic garage and egg punk tracks that reek of apathy and attitude. The songs are short, but fierce with Arena’s distinct and snobby vocals cutting through lo-fi instrumental chaos while thematically griping about unhealthy relationships and self-destructive behavior. For fans of nitty, gritty punk that pops off like firecrackers; this is for you.
Opening the LP is the fun and electrifying, “Running.” It’s a strong introduction to the record and reintroduction to Besta Quadrada overall with dirty and fuzzy riffs that spasm over aggressive and punchy drums. One of the highlights is its catchy sing-a-long chorus that flows and complements the song’s rhythm perfectly. Worthy of a karaoke catalog, this banger brings the energy and will be “running through your head” long after the first listen.
Another standout track not to be skipped is “Maze.” Besta’s hardcore punk influences go full tilt on this frantic and disorienting speed run. You’re not going to know what hit you as a sluggish, howling groove akin to a gnarly hangover explodes into a fit of anxiety-riddled riffs and high-tempo drums. Adding to the panic and claustrophobia are Arena’s cries of “I can’t get out” as the walls close in with a beefy breakdown similar to the song’s hungover opening. Kerfian’s dizzying drums are worth noting thanks to his sheer speed and clean, extended snare rolls that suck the air out of the room and add to the track’s suffocating tension.
“Life of the Party” is the single that steals the spotlight however and fully encapsulates the stubborn spirit of the four-piece. As the track’s title implies, Bailey’s attention seeking is turned up to 11 with sarcastic lyrics delivered in the frontwoman’s unmistakably dry and dismissive cadence. “$40 cash, favorite dress’s on, just quit my job, nothing could go wrong,” she insists, as a promised carefree night devolves into a hot mess of getting kicked out of bars and crashing her date’s car. Meanwhile, heavy, chugging guitar and bass chords power a satisfying synergy between big cymbal crashes and drum builds that you can’t help but bop around to. Additional high notes include the songs “No Release,” “Spiral” and “Coward.”
Besta Quadrada self-titled debut is hectic, indignant and a ton of fun. The album’s recording, mixing and mastering, handled by Toohill and frequent collaborator John Angelo, is top notch with each song sounding full and crisp while maintaining its degraded, lo-fi influences. Each band member is firing on all cylinders with Arena shining brightly in particular. It’s hard to believe this is her first rodeo as her bitter, near-spoken word delivery is refreshing and uniquely connects with, and elevates, the combativeness of the music. All in all, Besta Quadrada’s dynamite full-length debut is the slap in the face the masochist in you needs and marks a solid addition to a catalog that thankfully continues to grow.
Out now via Swimming Faith Records and streaming on major platforms including Bandcamp, Apple Music and Spotify. Head over to Bandcamp for additional merch including the 12” vinyl and a t-shirt designed by Carol Mags.
Categorised in: Album of the Week
This post was written by Matt Burgerhoff