Vancouver punks Indications are back with a self-titled LP that can do 'hard and fast' and 'gently melodic' with equal skill. Molly Tie had a listen.....
Formed in 2016 by James Shipton (guitar/vocals) and Ty Dempsey (Drums), the band’s lineup now includes Bryden Scott on guitar and Jared Schmidt on bass. And these four together perfectly mesh their sounds and energies on this cracking collection of songs that is out now.
‘Indications‘ was recorded over a span of 3 months at Rain City Recorders, putting to tape a collection of songs that had been reworked and revamped over Covid. The result is a 12 track tour de force with encompassing and formidable emo/punk chops and introspective lyrics.
The pace is pretty constant with the exception of some aptly named ‘interludes’ that give us a chance to take a breather before the pace picks up again and we’re carried along on a wave of rollicking drums, sonic riffs and Shipton’s powerful, gravelly vocals.
In fact, Shipton’s voice can pretty much match the assignment of each song, carrying above some impressively intricate guitar and drums, whether in raspy alt punk mode or no-holds-barred, power emo mode. The track ‘Casie‘ (my personal fave on the album) is a great example.
Most of the songs don’t waste time before starting the action- tracks like ‘Our Lungs‘ and ‘Vulture Sounds‘ just get straight into it with intent.
The album veers into some radio-friendly pop punk territory with ‘Antichondriac‘ which really demonstrates the ear for melody the band has.
Peppered throughout the 12 tracks are some instrumental palette cleansers- the brooding piano and drum intro of ‘Crush’ leads you to believe something big is coming at the climax but it is a bit of a tease. You don’t have to wait long for a return to the noise though as next track ‘Drunk on Chablis‘ sees Shipton’s vocals really let rip against the backdrop of some metal riffs.
There’s just time for another little instrumental in the penultimate track (‘Interlude II‘) before album closer ‘Blood Meal‘ throws it all at the wall with a heavier, climbing sound that ends the album on a powerful note.
All in all, an impressive, skilful and ultimately uplifting and immersive album that is worth getting your ears around.
‘Indications’ is out now via Early Onset Records. It is available on all streaming platforms and you can purchase HERE.
Main Photo Credit: Ryan Clare
- God is a ____ And is Fucking Mad
- Our Lungs
- Interlude I
- Vulture Sounds
- Casie
- Antichondriac
- Crush
- Drunk on Chablis
- Deep Fathom (get well)
- Bruise
- Interlude II
- Blood Meal
Follow Indications on Their Socials
Need more Punk In Your Life?
Album review: ‘The Halloween Album’ by The Goldstars
In need of some spooky tunes? The Goldstars serve up a tasty Halloween treat with their first release in 20 years! ‘The Halloween Album’ has
Meryl Streek, London 100 Club, 8th Oct 2026
Tonight is a cause for celebration on two counts. It’s not just that self-described ‘one-man punk band’ Meryl Streek is on the eve of releasing
EP review: Gorilla Tremors release ‘Gospel According To…’ and preach their rock ‘n’ roll message to the punk congregation.
Gorilla Tremors are wild garage punk rockers who cannot be caged, and prove it with a new 6-track EP! ‘Gospel According To…’ is about the
EP review: Aftrshocks – ‘Get Loud’
Young Dundee trio Aftrshocks properly grabbed my attention on the Rebellion Introducing Stage this summer, and they delivered one of those sets that reminds you
Album review: Slow Faction – ‘Return To The Windmill’
Alright, in terms of ‘I was there’ punk moments, the recent South London Punk Collective all-dayer wasn’t quite up there with the Sex Pistols at
Album review: Crapsons – ‘Sunshine On Keith’
There comes a point in every punk rocker’s life when staying out until four in the morning looking for rebellion stops being as attractive as
I’m Molly Tie- I Love punk! I play drums (badly), write a lot about punk (not as badly) and I’m particularly interested in issues relating to women in the music scene.
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
