Words: Tyler Murphy
They say that good things come in threes, and after two singles from Specky Cult over recent years, we are to expect ‘Dad Dance’ to hit all major streaming platforms on August 15th. The band have previously said of their values that humour and merriment serves to convey their message far better than anger or indignance ever could. This release is no exception to that rule. Having come a long way from their earlier ‘acoustic punk’ blueprint, ‘Dad Dance’ is a raucous celebration of unapologetic expression through dance, even for those past their prime.
We now experience a shameless injection of retrospective new wave punk. As Carol Stephen’s playfully dry vocal delivery hit my ears it was immediately apparent that ‘Dad Dance’ hails to the golden era of quirky, esoteric 70s acts the likes of Nena, The Buzzcocks, or even Martha and The Muffins. And I’m not complaining.Sardonic whit, dirty guitar stabs, and energetic percussion is wrapped up into a parcel of infectious synergy. Lines matching the calibre “shame it makes his jeans too tight” invite you to indulge in a spot of harmless ribbing while remaining inoffensive enough as to still charm the socks off of you and your dancing father, all the same. I can’t help but wish these lyrics were a little more audible amid the wash of guitar and drums, however. Although it could be said that this ambiguity does add to the idiosyncratic nature of the vocal delivery. The song is signed off with a pastiche reference to the original Batman theme, doubling down on nostalgia value and reaffirming Specky Cult’stongue in cheek ethos.
As taken, as I was by ‘Dad Dance’, it is a shame to see an entirely AI generated music video for this song. Without regarding the controversies surrounding AI use, an authentic video concept would have been all it took to win my advocacy. Instead, we’re given a video that feels detached and thematically incongruent. I appreciate that in the modern climate of the industry, budgetary confinement makes AI an alluring workaround; yet any cost-free alternative has sadly been overlooked. An inexpensive montage of dancing father figures, or even a simple lyric video highlighting the songs many quips are just two ideas that would, for me, have only added to the entertainment value. I understand what Specky Cult have tried to achieve with this video, but of a song that lyrically tips the hat to Bruce Springsteen, Dexys Midnight Runners, and The Clash, the video is a touch unfaithful.
For the unadulterated Specky Cult experience, you can catch them at Newcastle’s Billy Bootleggers on the 7th of September. Playing alongside Bristolian Alt Rockers, Iota, and Immingham garage-punk powerhouse, Ming City Rockers.
Link to their socials can be found below 👇🏼
Qulture Magazine 
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