The bell rang and outside waited the postman. Little yellow parcel, waiting to be signed off. Inside there was a cd copy. The title read Forced Fun,in a font that looked more Nickelodeon than Disney Afternoon. The band is Bad Grammar.

4 tracks, quick neckbreakin’ speed. I have no idea if this band is part of Manchester‘s Great Riff War (TM), a neverending fight between Trojan Horse, Cyryl Snear and Cleft, but they might as well join the fray, as the four songs are rocking enough to give them a run for their money.

Lead single ‘Temper Temper’ is an angry romp through forests full of cicadas; cacophonic vocals accompany loud drum sounds from beyond. It’s a sure fire way to get the new clients around, hook, line and sinker.

Bad Grammar are fans of puns and ‘Miley Serious’ continues the tradition ‘Ace Adventura’ set before. ‘Miley Serious’ also spots a mean beat that gives the song that “road trip” quality you need for a proper mixtape. It’s my fave of the foursome and I had trouble deciding just the one. ‘Stay toned’ (I’m always tuned!) is brasher track, with full on rock riffs and more quality drumming. ‘Weekend dad’ is the one that feels most fun, with the playful rhythm and cuddly “oohs” and “woos” that draw a smile in your face with an Esterbrook permanent marker, not a pencil.

The EP was over in less than fifteen minuts. I closed my laptop and grabbed a VHS of ol’ Beetlejuice cartoons I taped in the 90s. It seemed fitting.

Words: Sam J. Valdés López

Bad Grammar Soundcloud. Facebook. Twitter. Last.fm.