BAGGS: FOR LIFE (22nd March 2019)

WORDS: Joanne Gray

BAGGS are a band from Cornwall, who describe themselves as 'south west sad boys', and are influenced by bands like Basement, Pearl Jam, Citizen, Soundgarden and Jeff Buckley. With their first EP, For Life (shout out for the title when combined with the band name here), such a diverse range of these influences shine throughout its three tracks.

'Cellar' opens proceedings with a drum fill and squealing guitar feedback before some dissonant slightly overdriven chords set the mood. Then the vocals from the frontman Will come in which ensure such references to acts like Jeff Buckley and Pearl Jam make a lot of sense. The combination of that slight Vedder yarl with a bit of grit to his voice alongside some emotive lyrics mean that Will's vocals remind me a bit of Johnny Stevens from Highly Suspect in his southern fried garage rock glory. The song from BAGGS here has a similar musical build up to one of Highly Suspect's songs as well, with the sense of restrain and tension escalating throughout the verses finally bursting in the chorus. This uplifting release is both catchy and energetic, but still retains a sense of slight sadness that can be found in bands like Basement and Citizen. Powerful stuff.

This continues with the second song, 'Protest' which opens with a bit of guitar feedback and slightly overdriven dissonant chords. The second song here instantly has a bit more of a kick to it than the previous song however. A pacey drum beat accompanies grungy sounding power chords and faint squealing that never really lets up during the rest of the song. The chorus here is another catchy one, but it has a bit more anger to it than the previous song, with Will's voice almost cracking at points. Things never feel like they're going to fly right off the handles, but this is the most raucous song on these three tracks by some distance. 

This point is highlighted particularly well when the last song 'Sunlight' starts with really nice melodic guitar arpeggios that are a good bit more breezy than anything heard on the EP so far. Things don't stay chipper for too long though. When those mournful vocals come in alongside that now familiar overdriven guitar tone, the song becomes an instantly more bittersweet one. This sense of melancholy is aided by the melodic structure of the chorus, which sounds a bit to me like a lower-pitched version of The Cranberries' 'Zombie'. It's also catchy as hell. That line of "bask in my sunlight, I'll keep you warm" has been stuck in my head ever since I first heard the song. It also highlights the potential of BAGGS in the future, as they can quite clearly write a killer heartful hook that will be sure to have people singing along in the live environment.

The production job on this EP also helps to bring together these musical elements in a way which suggest that BAGGS may be ones to watch in the future. With an intimate feel to the production throughout, the instruments never feel like they overpower the vocals throughout but they never feel weak or low in the mix either. Instead of sounding small, the contradictory raw and polished production makes you feel like you're standing in the same room as the band, with the sound of the band being directly funnelled into your ears. Will's vocals are clearly the centrepiece of BAGGS but the accompanying instruments help to solidify the sense of authenticity that flows throughout the three songs on offer here. 

I'd urge anyone who is into the influences listed above, or indeed anyone who is a fan of poignant rock songs with sincere soaring choruses to listen to this band as they definitely show a lot of promise from this first release. Judging by their social media presence, BAGGS look to be an engaging band to watch live as well, so make sure to check them out if they're playing a show near you. 

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that they will make a trip up to Glasgow in the near future, for sure!

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Thanks BAGGS for reaching out to RWEI, and thanks to you for reading this review! 

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