'Play Date' immediately put a grin on my face. Hendricks the Hatmaker and Fire Cult, two bands working together, deliver a sparky, energetic slice of pop-punk that feels driven by the sheer joy of making music with friends. The vocal interplay is great fun, with the different voices bouncing off each other before those shouty “Play! Date!” chants kick in and give the track an irresistibly youthful energy.
I particularly liked the contrast between the mundane working day in the lyrics - early starts, traffic jams, grey office walls and corporate boredom - and the escape that music provides. It’s a feeling many of us will recognise (I do!): getting through the day while your mind is already elsewhere.
Amusing, spirited and wonderfully playful, this left me wanting to act like the bands - turn off the laptop and forget the work. However, that would mean this review wouldn't have been written!
'Play Date' is available on the Silly Songs Vol.1 (Split EP) - there's even a limited edition cassette.