SINGLE REVIEW: Peppermints Don't Hide Everything by Bandit
Up-and-coming Liverpool indie-rock quartet Bandit have just released their punchy sixth single, Peppermints Don’t Hide Everything, and it might just be our favourite of theirs so far (sorry Mean Streak).
Exploring the idea of a booze-fuelled romance, Peppermints Don’t Hide Everything is as honest as it is raucous - taking an in-depth look at the world of late night mistakes, twisting itself into an unapologetic anthem, firing explosive choruses straight from the notebook of songwriter and frontman, Nat Waters. Brimming with that quintessential northern attitude we came to know and love on their debut single Waster, this latest song thrives on the Waters’ clever lyricism, perfectly exemplified in lines like “just like modern time lovers Bonnie and Clyde, let’s hold the world ransom tonight.”
The track takes an audible step up from previous releases, allowing for a heavy focus on the synchronicity between Barry Forsythe’s thunderous drumming and Josh Pears’ rollicking basslines. Mix that in with some football style chants and Ev Tate's warped guitar screeches (which wouldn't sound out of place on Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not) and the end result is something altogether more aggressive than we've heard from Bandit before. We fucking love it.
Speaking of the single, frontman Nat says “a vague aroma of peppermints may only disguise the truth of a cigarette flavoured kiss, but sometimes the heart wants what it wants - terrible decision or not.” This is a song full of miscommunication, wistfulness, and muddled intentions. It reminds us of those chaotic uni relationships forged on messy nights out, and like any good story, will leave you wondering how it all panned out.
Inspired by the punk boldness so strikingly demonstrated by the likes of Fontaines DC and Idles, the boys are also continuously fuelled by their love of Cage The Elephant. They're a must-listen for fans of indie staples like Arctic Monkeys, The Wombats and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
Having racked up almost 300,000 streams on Spotify, and previously performing with the likes of King Nun and at Liverpool Sound City, Bandit are firmly strapped in for their ride to success. The four-piece have spent the last nine months strengthening their craft, ready for a (hopeful) massive return this year after signing to SAM Records. And boy are we excited to see what else they've got in store for us!
Listen to Peppermints Don't Hide Everything on Spotify and Apple Music
Review by Courtney Myers
Photography by Dan Toole
