Human Pet - S.F.U. Review
There is absolutely no way you can listen to “S.F.U” without immediately succumbing to its ear-worming charms.
Launched on 5th November, London-based four-piece Human Pet have released their infectious new single S.F.U which smacks you in the face like a rocket. It’s comes via The New Town Tudors label which, as it happens, belongs to bassist and singer Ian Charles Carter. The post-punk quartet first made ripples in the scene with their debut single Linda Pinky in early 2018; “S.F.U” is the first of two planned releases before 2020 draws to a close.
It is difficult not to draw obvious comparisons to bands such as Slaves, Fontaines DC, Girl Band, or Idles. On the first play, “S.F.U” sounds very much like the above-mentioned have met up in the pub on a Friday night, had a few beers, had a jam, and then issued the resulting collaboration track.
But this is where the comparisons end — they are certainly not riding on coattails here. The track flows exceptionally well. Vocal conveyance is a wonderfully satirical affair, sneer-laden with impeccably wry, almost comical, delivery. Along with its ridiculously catchy chorus, "When you're bad I like you better", some other favourite lines are: "In the deepest of oceans you are the shortest person, but you live with the comfort if it ain't fixed then its broken" and "You wanna spread yourself like wood in a wood chipper, go on and on and on...". All are evocative, with strong imagery and evident themes, only enhancing the track.
The guitar riffs are an intoxicating amalgamation of punchy and frenetic, yet are meticulously detailed and efficiently delivered. These are the sort that tunnel deep into your head. This is much in the same vein as the accompanying video, with its stylish blend of silhouettes and flashing lights boring deep into your retinas; this music video is directed by the band’s own David Zbirka, acting as a good cherry on top of the track itself.
There is absolutely no way you can listen to “S.F.U” without immediately succumbing to its ear-worming charms. This is an absolute beast of a track and in better times (which are coming, promise!) would be best enjoyed either played live, or packed on a hot and sweaty dance-floor.