Dublin Rockers, THUMPER, have been especially productive this year, their latest track, Topher Grace being their second single since January. The release marks a dramatic turning point for the band, documenting their transition from powerful choruses to elaborate lyricism. However, by no means have they lost the roaring energy that has got them this far. With two drummers, forceful vocals and screeching guitar, their lust for noise could not be more evident. Yet, in a leap of faith, they have abandoned everything they know, following in the footsteps of fellow Irishmen, Fontaines D.C, towards a fresh, punky, poetic sound.
Oisin Furlong’s abstract monologue is at the heart Topher Grace. Although we may never know the full meaning behind his words, the story does seem to follow a depressed and solitary character who spends drunken nights trying to forget his past (and his lost lover). The narrator is a man of many falsehoods, figuring out “which veneer to debut as sincere moi”. However, the more you delve into the lyrics, the more the speaker seems unreliable. Oisin’s snarling voice depicts a world that is just slightly off, full of common phrases turned upside down. Its nonsensical nature reflects his instability, madness and evident intoxication. Whilst he murmurs in self-observation, we can only suspect his “genuine” self is just as fake as his many personas. He claims to despise himself, yet his self-obsession is evident. It becomes clear that he is lying to himself as well as everyone else.
Furlong’s speech is littered with references to the film and theatre industries. Indeed, the title refers to the well-known actor, whilst the lyrics mention “best boys”, “Spielberg” and “thee act addicts”. This only enforces the idea that the character desires fame and attention above all else, that his life is a story, a lie. The bizarre narrative contains fragments of the drama and excitement he wants in his life. He portrays himself as a helpless baby, hands above his head whilst he sleeps, suckling for beer instead of milk. Yet, this is clearly not the case. He wants to be fussed over, redeemed, rescued… He even resents others needing help, denying that anyone could be suffering more than him. In fact, he ends the song feeling ruined that the world would carry on after he dies. In short, Oisin has created a man far too obsessed with pitying himself to notice the rest of humanity.
And yet, he remains unaware of this. “A made-up man, I know I am… not”, he shouts – the fall of the rhyme producing the faintest glimmer of hope, which is immediately crushed. The track offers a glimpse inside the chaotic and disturbing mind of someone who believes they are someone else. Furlong describes his narrator as “the voice of someone who’s too deep in it to the see the wood from the trees”.
My interpretation is only one of hundreds that could be conjured from this enthralling and intense track. More sympathetic listeners, for example, may see his distraught self-indulgence as a cause for concern, rather than an intrinsic part of his character. In fact, there is only one thing we can be sure of: THUMPER’s plunge into poetry was not a mistake.
The track’s raw emotions are just as evident in the sound of the track as in its words. Introduced by THUMPER’s trademark grungy guitar chords, the single quickly develops into a raging mass of noise. Roaring distortion and rapid lead guitar set the scene for Oisin Furlong’s snarling, cynical vocals. He really gets into character, beginning with an unhealthy intake of breath before becoming more and more unhinged. The chorus consists of the entire band screaming in a perfect punk-like fury. Yelling down the microphone, his disdain for the world could not be clearer.
It becomes obvious that Furlong’s character has reached mental breaking point. Yet, you can’t help but move to the anarchic wave of sound that concludes the song. It’s almost like being infected by their madness. However, the hectic guitar solo seems to drain the frontman of his wrathful energy, so that we are left with solemn chanting. A swell of clean sound invades the roaring atmosphere as he reaches rock bottom. The gentle ending to the song is possibly more chilling than his insane cries, for he has finally given up.
The three months spent perfecting this song certainly weren’t wasted. THUMPER have ended up with a brilliantly unnerving track, blazing with energy. Oisin recalls being inspired by songwriters such as Courtney Barnett, Mark. E Smith and Nick Cave on this latest track. These new influences have clearly enthused a new surge of creativity within the band. This desire to push their limits and break their own mental boundaries is sure to be what drives THUMPER to success. Not even the men of THUMPER know where they might be going next.
'Topher Grace' is out on all major streaming platforms.