09 Sep 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
I am a bit of a Punk Rock fan, so much so I went and joined a Post Punk band. I am not easily offended and pretty much reckon I have heard it all (or close to it), so I rubbed my hands in glee about New Plymouth band Bittercup's single release for Napkin.

First off in true Punk fashion this song does not pull any punches and the lyrics are crass, so if you are looking for a “nice” wee tune you came to the wrong place.

Napkin is full of surprises, described as being “firmly in the punk rock genre with a pretty classic soft/loud 90's curve”. It is in your face loud vocals shouting “I’m gonna use you like a napkin…then throw you away”, it is fast paced with a great hook, it is catchy and energetic and I can see why it would be a crowd favourite. I can practically feel the body slamming, hair flying, head nodding hordes getting down and dirty to this ripper.

In other words, I really liked the energy of this song.

Bittercup is the “personal catharsis machine” of Callum Wagstaff. “Growing up with chronic kidney disease informs much of Bittercup’s musical and tonal character, both directly and indirectly”. Working on perfecting the performances for two months, he went on to sacrifice body and mind recording and documenting the whole song in one day of free studio time. Receiving a kidney transplant in late 2018 he can now commit himself to performing regularly and has also began recording songs he had been making demos of since he became ill. I personally look forward to hearing what he has on offer.

This is a lively, bold single which slashes it back to the bare bones with the lyrics. Tinged with a slightly dark brush but delivered on point. Fervent Intense outbursts add to the energetic vibe of this song. “He’s frail. Like a buttercup, but he’s not happy about it”.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 4 / 5 )

He’s frail, like a buttercup, but he’s not happy about it.

Bittercup is the personal catharsis machine of Callum Wagstaff. He hates himself and has found people enjoy the fruits of his shameful confessions, related in sweet serenades, intense outbursts and rarely anything in between.

Bittercup (Wagstaff) started out fronting a band of the same name in 2015 before ailing health and renal dialysis forced him to give it up. Despite that he continued to write music and work the New Plymouth scene as regularly as he could in local cover bands Dodgy Jack (drums), The Feelgood Beatdown (Guitar) and Shed: The Tool Tribute (Vocals).

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Bittercup

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