Irish post-hardcore/skate-punk quartet DazGak! describe themselves as “math pop”, but there’s far more going on beneath the surface. Their sound is fuelled by biting metallic hardcore energy, soaring emo melodies and the infectious hooks of pop-punk, all wrapped up in a frantic, math-rock-infused package.
Back with a serious glow-up on their new EP Stimpy, DazGak! waste no time making their intentions clear. From the get-go they’re all up in your face, throwing out a fast-paced, aggressive punk rock circus with a no fucks given attitude. Opener Big In Tuscon is a perfect introduction, with chaotic swirls of math-rock goodness adding another layer to the band’s already explosive sound.
No Sweat dials things back just enough to reveal a more relaxed, slacker side. This one’s for the emos, packed with twisty-turny guitar lines that feel like Guitar Hero brought to life. It’s frantic, infectiously exciting, and the juxtaposition of aggressive vocals against upbeat skate-punk melodies works an absolute treat. Tog Go Bog E is another prime example – you can’t help but grin and nod along as its infectious energy barrels forward.
There’s a clear skate-punk thread running throughout Stimpy, but it’s the little flourishes that make the EP so engaging. The drums are an absolute blast, the ideas never stop coming, and the production gives every instrument room to breathe. Enda’s bass tone carries everything forward in perfect unison with Purcell’s driving drumming, laying down the ideal platform for Jackson and O’Driscoll to throw everything they’ve got into every track while Trixie once again showcases Purcell’s inventive drumming, even leaning briefly into shoegaze territory before Dewey drags things back into the chaos with one final burst of math-punk fury to close the EP.