There's finally new music from Derby four-piece Electric Pets! The band's cranked out tune after tune that we've loved here, and this latest is certainly one of their best yet. And, thankfully, it's the first release in 2025 ahead of more tunes and an EP later in the year.
"KOWTOW!" builds gradually, the instruments staking out territory around Emma Buckley's nuanced vocals. Things eventually reach an emotional peak and then Emma lets loose. Recalling Chrissie Hynde and Shirley Manson, Emma pours it out and the band punches into overdrive behind her. "KOWTOW!" is one in a string of similarly powerful cuts from this lot, and I've yet to hear anything from Electric Pets that didn't give me the same thrills as I found in those early sides from Sleeper and Catatonia.
Electric Pets are doing things exactly right. And it didn't take too many listens to their first releases to make me a big fan. "KOWTOW!" is a hit in my book, and I'm eager for what's next for Derby's finest in 2025.
Electric Pets is Emma Buckley (she/her) on vocals and guitar; Phil Wagg (he/him) on guitar and backing vocals; Pete Darrington (he/him) on bass; and Adam Grace (he/him) on drums. You can get more details via the band's official Facebook page.
"KOWTOW!" is out today. Details via Bandcamp below.
[Photo: Electric Pets]