Takers Leavers - Filthy Animals

Takers Leavers

Filthy Animals
self-released; 2016

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen 

David Baqi, Nik Formes, John Gee and Kevin Moreno are Takers Leavers. The post-hardcore band just released a very impressive four-song EP entitled Filthy Animals. These guys rock hard. Between the heart pounding instrumental work and blood curdling vocals The Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves kept coming to mind. 

The band has stated that the album “is an ode to the things and people that hold us back.” With that in mind the album feels like a cathartic purge of emotion. The emotions that come to mind are anxiety, depression, apprehension and other feelings that can hold one back.

The band opens with “Get Up & Exorcise” which initially opens with a sample from Pulp Fiction. After a couple of seconds the band starts to fade and before you know it are rocking out. The onslaught of sounds is intense and the band seems to have a serious case of ADD as they change things up a number of times within the first two minutes. The intensity hits a boiling point about a-minute-and-twenty-seconds in. Lyrically, the singer seems to be sick of those around him and himself. He sings, “God damn you all, / I've got to find a new body to call home / Oh god damn you all, / This ones rusted out and I ain't got no grease.” What an opener. These guys bring the goods and everyone is on point.

The band doesn’t disappoint with the next song “The Art” and actually displays some new tricks. For example the atmospheric part about forty-five seconds in and melodic breakdown halfway through the song. The song has lyrics that feel like the beginning of a revolution. He sings, “Stand with me! / Stampede it all! / You filthy fucking animals, / begging for your lives, quit wasting all of your time.”

The band displays some creative songwriting on “Salvaged (But Still A Wreck).” This one starts off minimally with not much more than guitar and vocals and slowly builds. Drums find their way into the mix then a lead guitar and finally the band explodes into one of their highest peaks.

They close with “Horns 4 Halos” which is another testament to the band's ability. Similarly to the previous songs the band doesn’t rest on their laurels and keeps mixing it up.

​Takers Leavers is an excellent band and I can't wait for a full length. Until then Filthy Animals is a replayable EP that is a great listen. It is perfect for letting off some steam.

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