Introducing: PSYCHOSCALLY

Manchester trio PSYCHOSCALLY offer up a soundtrack for the common man with a diverse fusion of rock, metal, rap and punk in an aggressively catchy sound they describe as “unapologetic, defiant and Northern.”

The band started out with the duo of Jake (vocals, guitar and bass) and Marco (drums). But they brought in second guitarist Nathan in the middle of last year, which has added an extra dimension and depth to their sound.

On the sound they’ve crafted, Jake told us: “We’ve been described as a combination of rock, punk, hardcore, nu-metal and even rap. So there’s a fairly wide range, I think our sound is always something I’ve found difficult to pinpoint to one genre when talking to people. We can find it’s too heavy for the post punk and indie crowds, not metal enough for proper alt/metal/hardcore crowds. So I guess somewhere between there!”

Our latest taste of this is last month’s re-release of THE PSYCHOSCALLEH MANTRA, which was first released this time last year but got taken down by Spotify due to “artificially inflated streams” – whatever that means. It opens up with a drum loop joined by a filthy bass riff, then a chunky blast of guitar chords. That sets up a lively verse led by Jake’s rapped vocals, which begin “Whatever creed you believe, we all need a release, I know I always say I hate the place but I’ll never leave, Keep it brief, it’s not grief, it’s all tongue in cheek, Same talk every week, ‘sort it out’ on repeat.”

The heavy guitars kick in for a feisty chorus with cries of “And he’s not alive,” before dropping back into another rapped verse supported by stabbing guitars and a bumbling bassline. A second chorus, this time with the line “And he’s out in the cold,” gives way to a funky little lick before spoken vocals from Manchester underground artist Michael O’Neill and a final blast of the chorus.

On the track, Jake said: “After a long battle of getting nowhere, I just decided to pull it from everything then do a re-release with a new video. We think it got added to some sort of dodgy playlist without us knowing, but I’ve heard and seen this happen to quite a few other bands.

“The Mantra is one of our punkiest tunes and is always a fan favourite at gigs. Tongue-in-cheek lyrics combined with northern humour and attitude. It features a verse off Manchester legendary underground artist Michael O’Neill. Mike also taught me how to play the guitar, so it’s a nice full-circle moment for me to have a song with him. Would also like to say the cover art is a nod to The Fall’s Mr Pharmacist, with Mark E Smith being from the same part of north Manchester as we are.”

The Mantra follows on from PSYCHOSCALLY’s debut single Imperial and the superb COTTONOPOLIS, which addresses a current hot topic in the UK by focusing on the ongoing gentrification of Manchester. The track opens up with big guitars and cymbal crashes teeing up Jake’s engaging vocals, which begin “Life in the city ain’t all pretty, Skyline of new money while streets are full of pity, ‘It’s part of growth,’ but what do we need the most? Lavish tower blocks when people need homes?” A long first verse also includes the line “Say goodbye to the council estates, Middle class dreams are on their way, Priced out and slowly replaced, New residents to match a new face.” While the track concludes with the lines “Gateways funded by consortium cash, slowly cover our industrial past. ‘Regeneration,’ It’s always for profit, Remember affordable homes just don’t line pockets. We’ve had enough, They’re ripping us off, Selling our soul for a tax dodge.” Check it out in the video below.

The PSYCHOSCALLY sound draws on influences like Rage Against The Machine and Queens of the Stone Age. Jake was brought up on punk music by his dad, including bands like The Clash, so the political element features heavily in his songwriting.

And on what inspires them to write music, Jake tells us: “Our previous single COTTONOPOLIS, the hot topic of the rapid gentrification of Manchester. When venues or studios close, it’s something you feel angry and helpless about, so it was good to pour that energy into the song, instead of the usual just ranting about it on Twitter!  Whereas a song such as The Mantra, it’s definitely more inspired by lived experiences of being out and about in town, meeting funny people, hearing funny stories, getting up to no good, being a scally!”

PSYCHOSCALLY have been busy gigging and will continue that into next year. They’re also heading back into the studio to record new music, including a collaboration with some Manchester rappers, which sounds interesting.

And Jake added: “If you want to get your head blown off by huge riffs but also have a good laugh in between while Nath and I take the piss out of each other then you’ll love a PSYCHOSCALLY gig, we’ll be hitting all over the UK next year. Safe! We have had the compliment from a band we’re friends with that we have the best merch in Manchester. So check it out! Make Ancoats Rough Again!”

You can follow PSYCHOSCALLY on Instagram and Twitter, and check out their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube.