Komodo Jane, the Delhi-based four-piece punk rock’n’roll band formed in 2021, brings a raw and rousing energy with their debut EP Scud City. Comprising Meg D’Souza on vocals, Tony Guinard on bass, Shashvat Pandit on guitar, and Suyash Gabriel on drums, the band delivers a straightforward, high-octane collection of tracks that hits with intent. Recorded in just three days, the EP doesn’t waste a second – every song is fast and melodic, portraying their explosive live energy into a relentless 5-track ride. Built on an impactful formula, the band’s writing is tight and instinctive, making this record a snapshot of a group that knows exactly what it wants to say — and how forceful it wants to say it.
Trigger Finger kicks off the EP with infectious drum grooves that instantly hook the listener. The engaging fills and sharp dynamics drive the song forward with a punk attitude. The instrumental interplay – especially the drums – captures the tension and release of the track’s tone, setting the bar high for what’s to follow. Meg’s vocals slice through the arrangement with an urgent edge, matching the energy beat for beat and giving the track its character.
Scud City, the title track, rides in on a catchy guitar groove that immediately grabs attention. The melody leads the charge here, backed by crisp, locked-in instrumentation. There’s a charm to how the track blends chaos with control, and the result is a song that stays lodged in your head even after it ends. It’s an ode to the band’s roots — fast, dusty, loud, and full of fire. It’s no wonder this was the band’s first single and the namesake of the EP.
Rules Rules offers a change of pace with a more mid-tempo, bluesy rock’n’roll vibe. The drum build-up is both clean and satisfying, creating a subtle yet effective tension. What sets this one apart is its use of subdivisions, breaking the rhythmic monotony and keeping things interesting. Meg’s vocals command with presence, especially in the “My rules, my house” part, where her voice rides the instrumental intensity with confidence. This track leans more into groove than speed, proving the band can slow things down without losing punch.
Forever is the most pop-leaning track of the bunch – beginning with a simple, melodic vocal line that guides the rest of the song. The instruments follow suit with a straightforward, uncluttered groove, creating contrast from the high energy of the previous tracks. It’s short, sweet, and almost deceptively light, but it’s also where the band’s melodic instinct shines most clearly. With a classic verse-chorus structure and a catchy hook, this track shows the band isn’t afraid to play with accessibility while keeping things raw and real.
The Distance wraps up the EP on a climactic note. It begins hauntingly, with an a cappella-like intro before launching into a surf-punk riff and eventually settling into a powerful verse. The song’s structure allows the band to show off their metal influences – particularly in the instrumental breakdown and bass-led outro. The galloping rhythm section, sharp-edged guitar lines, and darker undertones give it a weight that sets it apart from the rest. It’s an ambitious closer that balances grit with craft, and ends the EP with a sense of finality.
Scud City features five tracks: “Trigger Finger,” “Scud City,” “Rules Rules,” “Forever,” and “The Distance.” The EP was recorded over three days and showcases a mix of punk, rock, blues, and metal influences. It was released as the band’s debut project, with “Scud City” serving as the lead single. The recording captures the energy of their live sound through tight arrangements and concise songwriting.
It’s a sharp, no-frills debut that delivers its message loud and clear.
