Artist: The King Blues
Title: Punk & Poetry
Label: Transmission Recordings
Genre: Punk Rock
Bitrate: 264kbit av.
Time: 00:30:06
Size: 62.51 mb
Rip Date: 2011-04-18
Str Date: 2011-04-18
01. Last Of The Dreamers 0:58
02. We Are Fucking Angry 3:04
03. Set The World On Fire 2:43
04. Dancehall 0:51
05. The Future's Not What It Used To Be 3:56
06. I Want You 2:23
07. Five Bottles Of Shampoo 2:01
08. Sex Education 2:39
09. Shooting Fascists 0:47
10. Headbutt 3:19
11. Does Anybody Care About Us? 3:35
12. Everything Happens For A Reason 3:50
Release Notes:
Rightwing governments and protest music go together like beans and
toast. So, it was somewhat inevitable that the ConDem government would
soon spawn a response from musical circles, especially as it sets about
dismantling the institutions of British society in the name of
'austerity measures'. And it's unsurprising that long time political
activists and agit-punks King Blues' third album, Punk and Poetry
travels down the path that many an earnest musician before them has
carried a placard upon.
The thing is, though, that it's actually bloody great. Hackney's finest
have not only made a record that encapsulates the sense of frustration,
disempowerment and incredulity that permeates so many living rooms,
pubs and workplaces in the UK, but which is also a damn good album in
its own right.
Musically, it's eclectic, coupling the Blues' familiar ska-punk with
folk, drum and bass and even some Scroobius Pip-style poetry skits: the
latter includes the furiously righteous 'Shooting Fascists', more of
which later. That's not to say that they've diluted their ska roots,
though: in fact, 'Set The World On Fire' and 'Headbutt' are two of the
finest pop-ska tunes I've heard since Rancid were in their prime.
The music ain't the be-all and end-all, however. Lead singer Itch has
always been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but unafraid to wield
a wicked wit. Punk and Poetry showcases both of those traits to full
effect. His lyrics range from outraged fury to strikingly beautiful
imagery, all infused with a very British observational humour and
sensibility. 'The Future's Not What It Used To Be', 'Five Bottles of
Shampoo', 'Fucking Angry' are all great examples of this: however,
Itch's finest moment is the aforementioned 'Shooting Fascists'. A
simple anti-EDL ukelele tune that end on the simple refrain, "Your
granddad didn't vote for fascists - he shot 'em", it's the most
poignant, quietly outraged and effective moment on the entire album.
Admittedly, Punk and Poetry isn't perfect. The politics are
occasionally a bit student soapbox, and the subjects railed against
seem a bit random - as if the Blues have taken inspiration from
whatever's on the front of the Daily Mail that morning. The sentiments
also come across as clumsy from time to time, not least the occasional
diversion into 'troo luv will save the wurld' territory.
That mawkishness is all part of the album's charm, though. For all its
awkwardness, for all its outrage in major chords, it's ultimately
hopeful. Sure, there are some bum notes, but it's music with passion.
It makes you want to DO something, and that is what a real protest
album is really about.
