Goth Fight Cage – UNTAXED VEHICLE EP (2026)
A few months ago – well, January to be exact – we were introduced to the indie-rock one-man-band Goth Fight Cage. The solo project of seasoned artist Mark Holloway, Goth Fight Cage sees him shifting toward a new, lighter, indie sound as compared to the heavier offerings of “heavyweight fuzz champions”, Fagash McCann. Now, the term “goth fight cage” brewed images of a gothic-style Jared Leto ala Fight Club, preparing to beat the hell out of someone at those fights we don’t speak about. Holloway’s Goth Fight Club, however, has the intensity of the Leto image, but there’s a smile-inducing shimmer, shine and flair in the grit that keeps you intrigued. The latest addition to his intriguing discography is UNTAXED VEHICLE EP.
From the first single, ‘tired’, Goth Fight Club introduces you to the upbeat, energetic glint of The Strokes in his music. Plucky and spikey, ‘tired’ sweeps with clipped drums, tight guitars, and that prickly indie hit that simultaneously keeps you jumping on your toes while offering an odd soothing in the high-paced melody. Then the second track, ‘i’m not in love with you’ retains the same pluck and bounce of ‘tired’. Feisty, rambunctious, and flecked with the mischievous grins of cheeky imps.
After six minutes (give or take) of the indie-rock energy, Goth Fight Cage slips into the third single, ‘girlfriend’s girlfriend’. Indie-rock tinges exist, but the slip into jazzy, soulful rock music showcases Holloway’s genre diversity while keeping a distinctive style. With ‘girlfriend’s girlfriend’, Goth Fight Cage becomes a little sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek, and you imagine that earlier mischief turning into a raised eyebrow and crooked grin. The final two tracks, ‘why can’t you be nice to me?’ and ‘yours’ leap toward heavier tones like The Libertines with that constant flush of The Strokes.
UNTAXED VEHICLE EP is a, well, not rollercoaster ride, but has the up and down of those Octopus rides where you swiftly rise and fall as the wind whips through your hair. Fun, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and lyrically, a great journey through human experiences and connection, UNTAXED VEHICLE EP is a great way to end this tiring Thursday afternoon. Highly recommended!!
Find out more about Goth Fight Cage on his Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Old Crows Promotions.
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