BRISTOL BASED HEAVY LUNGS GET A TASTE FOR THE FINER THINGS IN NEW ALBUM ‘CAVIAR’
ALBUM REVIEW | HEAVY LUNGS – CAVIAR by Georgina Daniels
Heavy Lungs’ sophomore album Caviar is a chaotic, energetic ride through noise, punk, and intense ambition. The Bristol-based quartet—Danny Nedelko (vocals), Oli Southgate (guitar), James Minchall (bass), and George Garratt (drums)—have delivered an album that captures their raw, untamed live energy, but one that’s best experienced in the flesh.
The album kicks off with Yes Chef, a frantic, under-two-minute burst of manic energy that mirrors the high-pressure atmosphere of a restaurant kitchen (where the band first met). It’s loud, intense, and the perfect introduction to the band’s sound—fast-paced, aggressive, and unapologetic. Danny’s call-and-response vocals, paired with tight rhythm and feedback-laden guitar, deliver a shot of adrenaline that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Following that, Cushion The Blow brings a shift in energy with its noisy squalls and frantic vocals, invoking a sense of burnout. The song’s tribal breakdown and frenzied finale are reminiscent of hardcore acts like Black Flag, though it lacks the same impact as the opener. Still, it’s loud, angry, and builds towards an exciting rhythm-heavy finish.
The title track Caviar brings the chaos back, with dizzying guitar effects and bass drones creating a stormy, uncontrollable atmosphere. The track’s name is a clever juxtaposition—the luxurious idea of caviar against the band’s raw, anarchic energy. It’s a sonic whirlwind, mirroring the band’s ambition to push boundaries and achieve something bigger than themselves.
But it’s Into The Fire where the album really takes a shift. A slow, grungy burner, the track slows things down with Danny’s deep, guttural delivery and a moody atmosphere that channels industrial influences like Ministry. The building tension and dark, brooding tone make this one of the album’s most standout moments.
Then, in Mr Famous, the band lightens the mood with a track that’s fun and almost poppy. It’s a tongue-in-cheek commentary on celebrity culture, delivered with humour and sharp vocals. It marks a change in the album’s sonic landscape, and the playful, almost garage-rock vibe feels like a necessary break from the intensity elsewhere.
The album wraps up with Life’s A Buffet, another high-energy, mosh-worthy track that mirrors the riotous feeling of the opening song. It’s a triumphant, chaotic finish to an album that’s as unpredictable as it is loud.
Caviar is a record that thrives on energy and experimentation, blending punk, noise, and industrial influences. While it’s brimming with raw power, the album occasionally stumbles with its vocal mix, which can leave Danny’s lyrics feeling buried under the instrumentation. This makes it harder to fully connect with the songs at times.
Ultimately, Caviar is a live album in spirit. Its full intensity is best experienced in concert, where the chaotic energy can be felt. Fortunately, the band is heading out on tour soon, including stops in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Paris, and more, bringing the full force of Caviar to the stage.
Heavy Lungs’ Caviar is a wild ride, full of energy and bold experimentation. It might not always hit the mark, but its chaotic spirit makes it an album worth diving into.
Caviar will be released via FatCat Records on April 18th – PRE-ORDER HERE
Tickets for Heavy Lungs upcoming tour dates can be found HERE.
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