A fairly simple compilation CD for me to review as 16 of the 20 tracks I am already more than familiar with. This is the first and long overdue release by Punk4Life Records run by eternal boozer Tim Davies. The standard is excellently high with the main emphasis on loud defiant tunes passionately pregnant with roaring rage and matter of fact venom. Several of these outbursts come from bands who are frequent players on the SAS/Fungalpunk gig scene, a place they earned through quality and attitude alone. This I hope gives an inkling of the forthcoming praise and admiration I have for one of the best compilations around.
The opening number comes from relatively new outfit Citizen Keyne with the incredible anthem 'Ungreat Britain'. As solid an opening as you could wish for and immediately the provoking gauntlet is thrown down for the claim as being the CD's best track. Incredibly though that would be a hard title to earn as the quality here comes like an elephant on whizz - thick and fast!
Most Likely To Fail next and a true underdog band with pure punk ethics and the song 'Weekend Rebel' really does display the true colours of this outfit. A desolate cry in punks wilderness against all the fakes, phoneys and violators of this great scene. A fuckin' great track and followed by the quirky skank of Los Salvadores, the only band new to me on this compilation. It is a mighty fine track too as is 'No Future UK' by the positively explosive Impact, a band who impressed me very much live and who are playing a forthcoming Fungalskapunka gig. Great song composition and with a cast iron edge both musically and lyrically. A tone severely juxtaposed by the next track and one that succeeds quite delightfully as Flat Back Four deliver that admirably melodic sing-a-long cracker 'The Thatto Heath Song'. It is a true classic and the soft reminiscing tones of frontman Steve really do touch a nerve and works well as an inclusion to what can otherwise be overlooked as a comedic piece. Brilliant.
The terse punk puke of AFS is perfectly positioned at this point and 'Only Beer Can Save Us Now' revels in its poetical pose. The grime and filth is revisited by sewer rats The Scabs and 'Gutterscum' encapsualtes the social commentary this band are so adept at delivering. This bands sound is essential punk and occasionally are overlooked by self-appointed critiques who allegedly know better - how wrong they are!
Instant Agony come to the fore with 'Britain's Still Burning' and although one of the more basic punk tracks it is still a fine offering from a very fine band. In fact Instant Agony just get better and better and at the rate the upcurve is going the future may hold some mighty moments. The Fanny Pads next and after a SAS jolly on a 3 day festival the feedback was immense and they went away as one of the best bands on the gig. Always quality and this is a choice example of their capabilities. The first half comes to a close with the magnificent Billyclub and a tirade entitled 'Changing Times'. Nothing but an exceptional song would satisfy here and this lot deliver the goods with aplomb.
A powerful first half and the second installment is more of the same with all bands punping out jackhammer explosions of virulent streetpunk. It's the same order of bands again and the standard remains with exceptional choice moments coming in the form of Most Likely To Fails' highly crafted 'Killing Time', 'Blades Beat Fists' by the gritty Scabs, the classy speedburst of Flat Back Four with 'The Fallen', and the incredible gem that is 'Full Of Shit' by Instant Agony.
A great CD and one to savour with lesser known bands showing why the underdog must be supported. A few of these bands are raring to go but if they are ignored by the punk populace I am afraid the destination may be down the shitter and that indeed would be one of the scenes greatest crimes. Support, buy and get to the gigs.