PEST: Bootleg Vol. 1
(Self Released)
CD Only
Out Now
PEST, the Industrial Nu-Punk Two-Piece from Hertfordshire mark the end of their first chapter with a CD only release featuring singles and demos as they work towards their debut album.
I reviewed the first PEST single, the double A-sided Nicotine / Wake Up back in June 2022 and it’s been great to see the duo consisting of Cameron Taylor and Harvey Denman go from strength to strength. Over the last 3 years they’ve built up a loyal following, making many friends along the way and winning over anyone who has seen the pair live. They’ve gone from playing extensively in London and the South East, with several trips around the UK and most recently playing at Hellfest in France, in a cage… one which by all accounts was the most exciting thing to happen in a cage since The Undertaker took on Mankind at WWE Hell In A Cell in 1998.
Bootleg Vol. 1 is the bands full discography so far and is best played at the loudest most ear-splitting of volumes and for anyone unfamiliar it’s a handy way of catching up on the story so far. The set kicks off with the most recently single, 0121DO1 however doesn’t follow a strictly reverse chronological approach which allows the listener to appreciate how ‘fully formed’ the boiler suited pair were when they first appeared.
Amongst the five demos on the disc are tracks anyone who has seen the band live may be familiar with. Personally I’m happy to have copied of Butane, Run and Menace which, when I’ve seen them, have gone down a storm.
PEST promise that the also offers a sneak peek at the next record. They suggest it’s rough in places, loud in others, and totally them. I’d say they’re right on two out of the three points. This is 100% quality all the way through and a handy primer for one of the most exciting up and coming bands on the scene currently.
Catch the band live over the next few months
August 8th – The Washington, Blackpool
August 10th – Rebellion Fest, Blackpool
August 15th – Rebellion After Party, Trinity, Harrow
August 23rd – Daltons, Brighton
November 14-16th – Morecambe Punk Fest, Morecambe
PEST are on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram
Photo provided by Hundred Fires @_100fires_
All words by Iain Key. See his author profile here or find him on Bluesky
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