NATIONAL PLAYBOYS RELEASE A REFRESHINGLY EXCITING POST-PUNK NEW SINGLE ‘DISEASE’

SINGLE REVIEW | NATIONAL PLAYBOYS – DISEASE by Jenna Millar

National Playboys are certainly no exception to the rising talent being produced in Scotland. The alternative rock five-piece have been creating encapsulating hits since 2023, Disease being their fifth release and their 2025 new music debut.

The Edinburgh based quintet embrace the loud with this single, utilising electrifying guitars and bellowing vocals that truly encompass a highly interesting progressive sound, denoting pure passion.

The single’s intro begins with an intriguing pluck of the guitar followed by sporadic outbursts of melodic chaos, transforming into a jangly riff that runs throughout entirety of the song. The band utilise an angst conjured by the ringing tune; Megan Pollock’s thumping of the drums building a hypnotic intro for listeners. All is then indulged by frontman Kyle McFarlane’s raw vocals and lyricism, demanding attention and asserting his power. He bellows ‘manifest the obsession’ as the single’s opening lyrics, reminiscent of vocals from IDLES’ Joe Talbot with its’ belts of grit and immediate translation of emotion. Through Ewen Kerr and Anna Trost’s enchanting trills of the guitar and synth, and Dave Reed’s punchy bass, we are eagerly prepared for high-energy embellished with a much desired post-punk melody.

The song then takes a quieter turn, incorporating the chaotic outbursts whilst luring the listener in closer as McFarlane chants ‘oh, I’m a disease’ over and over. The song builds in volume as it progresses, a song that begs to be played live to an audience. Swaying from pockets of momentary quietness, showcasing fast bass riffs and electronic synths, to channeling absolute rage and organised disarray. Disease is a single that promises big things from the Edinburgh band.

Power and passion are intrinsically woven into the roots of this single, undeniably rewarding its listener with the push and pull of tempos and high-powered vocals. The song’s sudden last note serves as a reminder of its intense emotion throughout, leaving its listener with the echoes and bellows of their tune. National Playboys have started their 2025 with high anticipation after this release.