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The Song Bar landlord said to me the other day “The Song Bar selection tries to stretch away from the mainstream, but you go even further.” So let’s go even further.
Another year where as usual there hasn’t been loads of stuff to grab me, but there has been enough to keep me interested and a few stand outs that I expect I’ll still be listening to for quite a while. A few favourites have claimed to have releases on the way which never materialised, so maybe next year will be even better . Here’s a playlist (including a few late purchases from 2017) followed by some waffle from me for those interested (all 3 of you!)
ALBUMS
DISTURBANCE – Tox Populi
My favourite album of the year. Riotous but well played streetpunk fromthis Dutch band, with a few darker melodies creeping in as the album goes on, and a bit of a fixation with possible imminent demise of humanity , which is understandable.
BRAINDANCE – Raise Yer Glass
Not too far behind was this comeback album from reformed 90s Oi-punks Braindance – and when I say “reformed” I mean it’s singer Sloss with some new guys, but they certainly seem up to the task. Hard but tuneful Oi.
THE GAKK – Take A Look Around
A band I only discovered last year , but apparently they’ve been plugging away in their home town of Dundalk, Ireland for 10 years, which might account for how professional their d.i.y debut albums sounds. Protest punk with a bit of rock and reggae in a Clash/SLF style.
DEAD OBJECTIVES – Human Symptom
Another band I only came across last year, this time a young political band from Manchester playing chugging 80s style anarcho punk with a bit of a Killing Joke influence as well. I don’t actually own a copy yet but it’s in thre post and I’ve had it on repeat play via this internet thingy for several days. Holy Wars is quite earwormy and also directly nicks it’s opening from a Paranoid Visions track , which in the abscence of any new PV material this year will a have to do.
V/A – OI AIN’T DEAD VOL 6
The latest in a series of compilations on Dutch label Rebellion, this one featured British bands. My picks were this uncompromising track from Hostile Minds , one of the best new Oi bands in my opinion; and the mysterious City Miles , who only appear wearing masks in publicity photos, but who seem to be able to turn out catchy songs like this with ease.
THE EJECTED – GAME OF SURVIVAL
From last year, their second post-comeback album. This relaunched band only feature one original member (a bit of a theme developing) , singer Jim Brooks. I slated their Rebellion comeback a few years ago but I take it back – they are churning out shoutalong Oi songs in the style of their early releases, but played better. They’ve just followed this up with a new album Come N Get It, but I’ve only just got my hands on that so it’ll have to wait.
BOILERMAKER – Shopfloor
Working class Oi from the North East (as if you can’t tell) from a band I came across this year. Like a lot of similar bands from that area they sometimes verge a bit too close to mainstream rock for my liking, but some great stuff when they get it right as they do here.
PMS 84 – EASY WAY OUT
Another one from 2017, and another one I’m waiting for Mr Postman to deliver, but that I’ve given several plays on the internet. From the fertile punk ground of Portland in the US this is a bracing blast of early 80s style hardcore punk.
SINGLES & EPs
CROWN COURT – MAD IN ENGLAND 7”
London Oi band who sound somewhere between Cockney rejects and The Templars and have had a consistently good output since they first appeared about 4 years ago. This EP was no exception – I posted Fight Or Fall as one of my top 3 tracks of the year , which is in their usual style, On The GGs is a bit of a departure, but a good departure.
THE VIOLATORS – Tied To The Tracks EP
Interesting one! Another case of a “band” coming back after decades with one original member (male vocalist Cess). Could a new release live up to the cult reputation of the original band? No! But think of it as a new band, which it is, and I like it. They’ve still got something distinctive about them.
THE STRIKE – Fly No Flags 7”
Yet another comeback with just the singer, Scottish Oi band The Strike , or rather Canadian Oi band as they are these days. The A side has a bit of a Stiff Little Fingers sound to it and is very good , but I like the b-side best which was more in the vein of the old Strike.
UK SUBS – Predator 7”
No 2 -3 decade breaks for Charlie Harper, he just keeps on plugging away with his revolving door band. A couple of years ago they released their “final” album , but have carried on releasing 7”s , EPs etc , and apparently a new album is in the works after all. This was one of a pair of 7”s released in late 2017 , but they weren’t cheap , so with the aid of youtube I chose this one . No surprises, just the classic late period Subs sound.
ULTRA SECT – WAR OF THE ROSES EP
Another one from 2017 that I picked up this year. The Templars have been a pretty influential band on the international Oi scene and this debut release by US Oi band Ultra Sect is one of the best Templars influenced records I’ve heard. Did I mention it sounds a bit like The Templars? (ok you probably don’t know what The Templars sound like anyway).
SICK ON THE BUS – FUCK YOUR POLITICS EP
Motorhead meets The Damned style songs about the pleasures of drinking, sex and their disdain for lecturing politicos. Just like every other Sick On The Bus release! Keep it up!
