While there has always been an element of unpredictably to the Pierres’ music, it has generally been couched in infectious songs delivered with verve to spare. Much of that remains true on their new EP Hot and Muggy, which dials up both the intensity and emotional gravitas of the group’s songwriting. It also makes room for new sounds with the record borrowing liberally from the fiery strains of classic Southern rock. Over five searing cuts, the Athens trio merge their angular post-punk with a twisted take on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s debauched choogle. The result is a feverish, oftentimes thrilling record with haywire hooks and licks aplenty.

The Pierres Hot and Muggy

Opening in a gust of Southern-fried guitar bombast, the title track quickly sets the EPs ragged and resonant tone. Guitarist/vocalist Marshall Reed serves as the spark plug, leading his brothers MacArthur (drums/vocals) and Louis (bass/vocals) into the breach as they bounce between a lurching push-pull groove and blistering swamp rock boogie. It’s an electrifying cut, all hairpin turns and barreling thrusts like an airboat slicing across the bayou. “Micah” takes a more visceral route, exchanging breakneck dynamism for lumbering unease. With its stumbling, punch-drunk swing and talk-shout vocals, the song is deceptively tuneful, exuding an atmosphere of what I can only describe as swaggering paranoia. If “Hot and Muggy” is an exhilarating sprint, this is a drunken lurch teetering on the edge of collapse.

As the EPs centerpiece (and lone single), “Ice Bath” underscores what makes the record so enticing: the punchy exuberance, the cryptic lyrics and sardonic singing—all intertwined with bluesy guitar runs that sound like they were cribbed from classic-era Lynyrd Skynyrd. Deciphering its meaning, however, can be a hazy prospect. “I could never stay in,” Marshall Reed sings-speaks-screams again and again. Is it an admission of failure? A celebration of life and getting out of the house? A wry dismissal of new age cold-plunge culture? Whatever it may mean, the Pierres seem content to leave it open for interpretation and let their boisterous performances do the talking.

The final two tracks, “Four” and “Antisa,” don’t offer much in terms of diversity, but (surprise!) they make up for it with raucous intensity. On Hot and Muggy, the Pierres might mine the past for inspiration, but they consistently meet the immediacy of the moment. It also helps that their barnburning approach works best in rapid-fire bursts. To that end, not a single song comes within spitting distance of three minutes. Instead, they strike fast and furious like a steamy summer squall. The cumulative effect of their relentless, sweat-soaked barrage is invigorating. Blink and you might miss some portion of this EP. Fortunately, a little bit of catharsis goes a long way.

More Info
Web: thepierres.org
Bandcamp: thepierres2.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @the3pierres
Instagram: @thepierres