It’s probably fair to say that the city of Bristol is often associated with having a wicked sense of humour. From the demeanour of its inhabitants to its culture, there is a strong connection between the (self-appointed) capital of the South West and having a sense of charm and wit. With the emergence of new post-punk act Saloon Dion on debut single ‘Deal Or No Deal’, this statement is most certainly reinforced.
Writhing in swathes of cutting satire and wrapped in wall-of-noise guitars, the four-piece already seem fully occupied by the idea of firmly asserting themselves in the city’s flourishing scene. Comprised of members of Football FC, Kimbo Nice and Ratbags, you could say there’s already been many plaudits bestowed upon their individual projects around these parts, but this meeting of minds looks to hold even further promise.
The track presents itself as a lampoon on inauthenticity and people’s obsession with ‘the perfect image’, with vocalist Taryn McDonnell beckoning the listener into their “bootleg club” with a guttural growl on the song’s chorus. While the propulsive bassline and soaring riffs sound like the lovechild of Shame and Parquet Courts, Saloon Dion are clearly no knock-offs, and the talents they hold between them make it clear that they have enough vigour and dynamism within them to stand tall on their own. With future shows lined up alongside the likes of Grandma’s House and Slagheap, this incendiary first cut certainly feels like we’ll be hearing plenty more to come.
Words: Reuben Cross // Photo: Adam Bailey
‘Deal Or No Deal’ is out now via Permanent Creeps. Stream the track below.