Alright, buckle up, folks. Let’s talk about God Bless The Turtles Demo by Wash Out Test, a little gem from Belgium that’s got me vibin’ hard. This album falls under the rock umbrella but leans heavy into ska vibes—like, imagine if your favorite punk band decided to grab some brass instruments and just go wild. It’s raw, unpolished, and exactly what you’d expect from something self-released (yep, it’s on “Not On Label”). And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn fun.
Now, let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk: "Valentine" and "Dinosaurs Eat Flowers." First off, “Valentine.” I mean, who names a ska tune after a holiday for lovers? Turns out, these guys do, and they make it work. The track kicks off with this punchy horn riff that feels like someone handed you a cup of coffee while simultaneously slapping you awake. Then there’s this kinda cheeky vocal delivery—it's not trying too hard, which is refreshing. You can tell they’re just having fun, ya know? No overthinking, no pretentiousness, just good ol' chaotic energy. It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head without even asking permission.
Then there’s “Dinosaurs Eat Flowers,” which sounds like the plot of a stoner movie but somehow works as a song title. This one starts with this groovy bassline that pulls you in like, “Hey, wanna hear something weird?” Before you know it, the whole band crashes in, and suddenly you're dancing—or at least bobbing your head awkwardly in your chair. What stands out here is how playful everything feels. Like, yeah, we all know dinosaurs didn’t eat flowers because SCIENCE, but screw that; this song lets you live in its own quirky universe for three minutes. Plus, the sax solo near the end? Chef’s kiss.
One thing I gotta say about this demo is how scrappy it feels. Nothing’s overly polished, and sometimes the production sounds like it was recorded in someone’s basement—which might actually be true. But instead of being annoying, it adds charm. It’s like hanging out with friends who are super talented but also don’t take themselves too seriously. You get the sense that Wash Out Test isn’t trying to reinvent ska or rock—they’re just doing their thing, and that’s more than enough.
So yeah, God Bless The Turtles Demo won’t change your life, but it’ll definitely give you an hour of pure, unfiltered fun. Honestly, I think turtles would approve. Who knew reptiles could have such great taste in music?
