Gig Review: King Punch with 3dBs Down and Last Edition at New Cross Inn, London 14/08/22

The activity I missed by far the most over the past seventeen months has been going to gigs. Not only were gigs exciting because I got to see some of my favourite bands but it was also an opportunity to see many of my wonderful friends, as well as travelling around the country. It was a wonderful thing and I always felt extremely privileged to be able to see and experience so many unforgettable moments because of it. So when lockdown happened a huge part of my life (and I’m certain everyone’s reading this) vanished. Obviously, I understood that it was important for it to happen so I learned to live with it and kind of got used to not being able to do my favourite hobby. After seventeen months we were finally able to go to gigs again. I bought some tickets, kind of expecting not to be able to use them but things got better and some aspects of life from the before times were able to happen again.

On Saturday the 14th of August I got to attend my first gig in 524 days. It had to be at my favourite place in the whole world, the New Cross Inn in South London, for a Be Sharp Promotions show featuring 3dbs Down and Last Edition, headlined by King Punch.

I can’t lie, I was slightly apprehensive the entire day of the gig but myself and Emma have both been fully vaccinated and we took lateral flow tests the morning of the gig which came back negative so we felt safe in the knowledge that we wouldn’t be spreading anything about. After a stress free train journey, we arrived in our spiritual home in time for doors. As soon as I saw some old friends, any apprehensions I had quickly faded and I was just super happy to be back and set for an exciting night of ska and punk.

Leicester’s Last Edition were the first band on and I couldn’t think of a better band to reintroduce me to live music. This was also the band’s first show back as they sadly had to drop out of a show earlier in the month due to illness. As soon as they started their set you could see in their faces how happy they were to be back on stage together. This feeling quickly bled into the crowd as the band soon had everyone moving. I had these strange feeling of muscle memory kicking in as my body began to do things it hasn’t for months. It was an amazing feeling. Last Edition’s upbeat brand of ska punk filled the room with smiles as they played through favourites such as This One, Last Orders and 10 Years as well as brand new(ish) songs Good Luck, Shorts Until September and Half Drunk At Half Time. This was a fantastic kick off for the evening.

Up next were DIY punk legends 3dBs Down. These guys were the band on the bill I was most looking forward to seeing, after they released my favourite album of 2020. This was finally an opportunity to see some of the songs from it live. As much as I enjoy the band’s previous material, I was very pleased the set was mainly songs from the amazing Get Your Retaliation In First. One of the major things I love about the album are the big three part harmonies that Matt, Si and Tage perform. It’s brilliant on record but live it’s just something else. I was so impressed with how seamlessly they were performed as some sound quite complicated to do. The band opened up with At My Signal with the very appropriate lyric “it’s good to see you, welcome home.” I’m not sure a more poignant lyric has ever been sung at the New Cross Inn. They also played Moussaka, Pink Cardigan Twinset, Hang In There Man and Idiot Ignorant Evil before closing the set with Count To A Million. My only complaint from the set is that they didn’t play longer as I was having such a nice time and didn’t want it to stop.

Last up were the undisputed champions of a New Cross party, King Punch. After the previous two bands, the crowd were suitably warmed up and ready to get crazy for the seven piece. Not many bands can match King Punch for the energy that they have on stage. If there was any fatigue from not having played a show in so long then it didn’t show. If anything they picked the energy up the further they got into their set. Unfortunately guitarist Tor had some technical problems at the start of the set but that didn’t seem to hinder the band one bit. Personally I noticed because I happened to be on that side of the stage as he was trying to sort it out. King Punch basically played the entirety of Sit Still without a guitar and it still had the crowd in a frenzy. King Punch have always liked to throw a cover or two into their set and this was no different. Their now classic cover of System Of A Down’s Chop Suey went down as well as ever and there was also a brilliant cover of The Pixies’ Where is My Mind. Unfortunately due to Saturday trains still being rubbish (I haven’t missed those) we had to duck out of the gig early but not before we got to hear Enrico, Wishbone, Another Bomb, Weekend Warrior and a brand new song which I’m very excited to hear a recorded version of.

As a first gig back after over 500 days I couldn’t think of a better one. All three bands absolutely smashed it and the promoter, venue and crowd ensured it was a safe environment where, as far as I’m aware, everyone felt comfortable. Long may gigs continue. Let’s never go so long without one again!

This review was written by Colin Clark. Photos by Emma Prew.

Emma’s Top Ten Albums of 2020

2020 has been overwhelming rubbish, hasn’t it? It’s been a weird ol’ year for new music although there hasn’t exactly been a lack of it. I started the year – pre-COVID but also through the beginning of lockdown and working from home (when I could listen to whatever I wanted as I worked) – being excited to discover new artists. According to my ‘Spotify Wrapped’ this year, I discovered over 600 new artists which is pretty good going, especially without going to gigs. Of course, I was also looking forward to hearing new albums from many of my existing favourite artists this year.

Unfortunately, it got to a point over the summer and beyond where I just wasn’t that enthused about listening to music in general – new or otherwise. (I listened to a lot of podcasts instead.) I also went through a period of not really feeling inspired to write reviews, even if I was enjoying an album, so I hope to rectify that somewhat with my end of year list (and honourable mentions). It’s worth pointing out that I still have albums that came out this year on my metaphorical ‘need to listen to properly list’ but I guess there’s always going to be more albums to listen to in a year and I will check them out when I can.

I’m afraid I haven’t been organised enough this year to put together a top ten EPs list as I have done in previous years. I do, however, want to give a little shout out to some of my favourites:

Ghosts, Guilt & Grandparents by Toodles & The Hectic Pity
Lobotany by Cheerbleederz
Whichever, Whatever by Expert Timing
The Bin Collection by Mitch, Please
Proper Confessions by Brightview

There are also some great albums that didn’t quite make my top ten but are certainly worth a mention here:

5 Years Behind by THICK
Cause A Stir by Charmpit
Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers
Jump Rope Gazers by The Beths
Dream Nails by Dream Nails

Now onto the really good stuff… without further ado, here are my top ten albums of 2020:

10. The Spaces In Between by Arterials

Perhaps it’s due to my increasing frustration at the state of the world, from people’s selfish panic buying to littering of single-use face masks and my overwhelming climate anxiety, but I’ve really enjoyed listening to somewhat heavier and angrier music this year than I previously would have. It’s a real good stress reliever. The Spaces In Between by Hamburg, Germany’s Arterials is certainly on the more singalong fists-in-the-air side of melodic hardcore but, whatever you want to label it, it sure packs a punch. With subject matter ranging from friendship, politics and climate change, there’s a lot of food for thought on The Space In Between and I think, particularly in 2020, having songs that really make you think and feel something are important now more than ever. I’m also gutted to have not been able to hear these songs played live at Booze Cruise Festival in the summer, maybe next year…

Favourite song: Pump The Brakes

9. Me, Myself And Something Else by Call Me Malcolm

Despite the ongoing pandemic, this year has been a big one for Kent DIY ska punks Call Me Malcolm. They returned with their third album, Me, Myself And Something Else in May – the follow-up to 2018’s CPRW favourite I Was Broken When You Got Here. It was self-released here in UK but was also released in the US through the amazing Wiretap Records. Understandably, they’ve been getting increasingly popular across the pond and I’m sure they’d have a tour booked and announced for 2021 (perhaps with Kill Lincoln) had this year gone a little differently. As for the album itself, it picks off where Broken left off with deep, hard-hitting lyrics tackling anxiety and depression that are accompanied by some of the catchiest horn lines and riffs in ska punk. I want nothing more than to dance like crazy and sing along to these new songs at our beloved New Cross Inn as Malcolm are a band best served live. Like many things, I’ll just have to wait and settle for bopping around my living room.

Favourite song: Also, Spiders

8. Untenable by Bad Moves

Bad Moves, from Washington, D.C., were a new discovery for me this year. I was intrigued to check out Untenable, which was released on Don Giovanni Records in June, when I saw several people raving about it on Twitter. The folks at Specialist Subject Records also talked about it on their podcast, Flick Through, and Erica’s love for the band was more than enough encouragement for me to give the album a listen. Untenable is twelve infectiously catchy, upbeat and feel-good – for the most part – tunes that I guess could be best described as indie punk or power pop. The vocals come from all four members of the band throughout the album and bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. It truly feels like a bunch of best friends just having the most fun making music together and all while managing to deliver a slick and intricate piece of musicianship.

Favourite song: Working For Free

7. The Distance Between by Arms & Hearts

This is probably the album that was most fresh in my mind when it came to deciding on this list. Arms & Hearts has been a firm favourite of mine for a number of years and their debut album was at least one thing I was looking forward to in 2020. Released in November, I knew that The Distance Between by the Manchester-based acoustic punk troubadour was certain to make an appearance here from the first time I listened to it – it was just that good. It is clearly a leap forward from their previous releases – which were by no means bad – and for a band that was essentially a solo project, the album has very full sound. At times, it feels like a melodic punk band rather than one man and an acoustic guitar. The Distance Between has some pretty dark and emotional subject matter but it’s a hugely cathartic listening experience from start to finish.

Favourite song: Kerouac On A Minimum Wage

6. Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down

What a surprise gem of an album this was! Colin and I know 3dBs Down as being Paul BeSharp’s favourite band of all time and we’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live a few times in recent years, despite not knowing them ‘back in the day’. Get Your Retaliation In First is the band’s first new music for 15 years (!) and I don’t doubt for a second that it was well worth the wait for long-time fans. I first heard this album when Colin was listening to an advanced copy in preparation for writing his review of it and I remember turning to him after just a couple of tracks and saying ‘This is really good’. It’s so distinctly unlike anything else that I’m not even sure how I would describe this album. There’s a bit of ska in there but this is not really a ska punk album, there are some super catchy melodies, singalong moments and incredibly earwormy harmonies threaded throughout but it’s not quite pop punk. I suppose it’s just a brilliant album and needs no further defining.

Favourite song: Idiot Ignorant Evil

5. Seamless by Pardon Us

Congratulations to Pardon Us for being the first band to appear on my end of year albums list for two years running! 2019’s Wait, which was also the band’s debut full-length, was a really great album and I think they may have surpassed it with the follow-up, Seamless, which was released in August this year on the always excellent Everything Sucks Music. The Liverpudlian three-piece play blisteringly fast paced pop punk music – there are twelve songs on Seamless and all of them are under three minutes long – with a strong political and humanitarian message. To paraphrase from my full review of the album, Seamless is a top notch album packed with catchy melodies and intelligent, thoughtful lyrical content that is hugely relevant to the world we live in. Basically, it has something for everyone.

Favourite song: Still Needs Singing

4. Show Me The Blueprints. by Days N Daze

I’ve always been a fan of punk music of the folk variety and one of my very favourite ‘folk punk’ albums of 2020 comes from Houston, Texas’ long-running band Days N Daze. Show Me The Blueprints. was released in May and it is the band’s eighth full-length as well as their debut release with the legendary Fat Wreck Chords. I’m not sure if it’s the label’s influence specifically but I would say that this album is perhaps more accessible to punk fans that are not necessarily likely to listen to a band with instruments such as a banjo in their ensemble. It’s still got the raw heart and soul of their previous material but is perhaps a little more well-crafted. Both Jesse Sendejas and Whitney Flynn’s vocals are brilliant throughout – often providing backing harmonies for one another – as they each sing of their own experiences dealing with addiction and their struggles with mental health. Of course, the melodies and instrumentation throughout the album are excellent but it’s the lyrics that really pulled me into this album and earned it this spot high up in my list.

Favourite song: Saboteurs

3. You Or Someone You Know by Worriers

When You Or Someone You Know by Worriers was released at the beginning of March, I didn’t know that my two (or was it three?) opportunities to see them live for the first time would soon be washed away when 2020’s hopes and dreams went down the drain. I also didn’t know that this album would come to be about so much more than just, ahem, the end of the world – or at least the climate changing, political meltdown end of the world as opposed to the global health crisis end of the world that 2020 has become. This is not a heavy, or even the most typically punk sounding, album but it has such a huge sound with hooky guitar melodies, dreamy keys and just the most incredible vocals and lyrics. Lauren Denitzio has one of my favourite voices in punk rock and their delivery is always so powerful regardless of the volume in which they are projecting. The album is on the one hand melancholic and on the other optimistic, either way it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to listen to again and again.

Favourite song: What Comes Next?

2. Brave Faces Everyone by Spanish Love Songs

It would be a pretty fair observation to describe my adoration of emotional punk rockers Spanish Love Songs over the past few years as something close to an obsession. I was obviously excited for Brave Faces Everyone, which was released way back in February, although I was also fairly apprehensive. It couldn’t possibly live up to 2018’s Schmaltz. Could it? Well, now having listening to it an awful lot this year, I can honestly say that I think this is even better than Schmaltz. Similar to You Or Someone You Know by Worriers, this is an album that has taken on a new meaning as this year progressed – ‘“It won’t be this bleak forever.” Yeah right. “It won’t be this bleak forever.” I hope you’re right.’ Brave Faces Everyone has undoubtedly made the seemingly never ending dystopia of 2020 that bit more bearable. It’s heart-wrenchingly emotive from start to finish, not least because it’s relatable for any twenty or thirty something with a conscience, but also makes you want to throw your fist in the air and scream your lungs out. It’s an album to be listened to front to back and then all over again. And if that doesn’t make for a great album then I don’t know what does.

Favourite song: Optimism (As A Radical Life Choice)

1. Life, Death And Everything In Between by Stöj Snak

No surprises here! If you happened to read my essay of a review of Life, Death And Everything In Between by Danish folk punks Stöj Snak just a few months ago then I’m sure you saw this coming, such was my outpouring of passion for these twelve songs. Earlier this year I thought it was going to be tough for anything to top Spanish Love Songs but then Stöj Snak returned in October. Life, Death And Everything In Between is the band’s second full-length album that I’ve been waiting four long years for – to be honest, I wasn’t really sure it would actually be released this year. From the acapella opening track Reasons To Smile, through to raucous yet melodic fast-paced numbers such as Trees, This Condition and and Fire and not one, not two, but three tracks of epic proportions – Bliss Point, Songs About Beliefs and album closer and title track, Life, Death And Everything In Between – this album delivers on so many levels. Niels Højgaard Sørensen’s lyricism is so captivating that I find listening to his songs as enticing as a really, really good book. There are so many intricate touches interwoven throughout this album, it’s clear that the process of writing and recording it was not at all rushed. Everything has been considered and, I said it in my original review and I’ll say it again here, I consider this album to be a masterpiece. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Please, if you haven’t already, go away and listen to Life, Death And Everything In Between. If you have listened to it before, just listen to it again!

Favourite song: Songs About Beliefs

Thank you to all the bands mentioned above for making this year a hell of a lot more enjoyable. 2021 should hopefully be better than 2020 in many ways but it’s still going to be tough to beat some of the very best albums that this year has brought us.

This top ten was written by Emma Prew.

Colin's Top Ten Albums and EPs of 2020

I think it’s fair to say that 2020 hasn’t been a year with much to look back on too fondly. The Coronavirus has brought the world to a halt, people have died, people have lost jobs and businesses, and the world seems more divided than ever at a time when we should be coming together. The world of music has been hit as hard as any other industry due to bands not being able to play gigs or, in a lot of cases, even be able to meet up to practice. For a lot of bands, plans to get back into a studio to record new music has either been severely delayed or just cancelled all together.

I think it’s also fair to say that, because of what’s happened in 2020, it’s been difficult for a lot people to have the enthusiasm to check out new music. It’s been a mentally tough year for everyone and people have preferred to go back to old favourites that they find comfort in rather than going out of their way to find new bands. Personally, when I’m struggling I find a comfort and excitement in going online and discovering lots of new bands from the world of punk rock. I think 2020 has been a mega year for new music. Frankly, I’m surprised I’ve managed to find so many great new bands considering the restrictions in recording and playing shows. When we first started to think about our end of year lists there was a lot of worry about being able to pick ten new releases that you think are worthy of a top ten list. I ended up with a shortlist of about twenty five albums and twenty EPs. I also had to cut out a few splits as the decisions would have been far too difficult to make. As with every year, I’ve put far more thought into this than is probably necessary but I do have a big passion for promoting music I love and wish for more people to check out bands I think are amazing.

Before getting to the top tens here are some honourable mentions: Toodles & The Hectic Pity, Swayze, Out Of Love, The Chinkees, Beat The Smart Kids, Maladroit, Jerks!, Hangtime, Got Trash, Aerial Salad, American Television, Apathy Cycle, Bashful, Broadway Calls, Custody, Foreign Bier, Goldfinger, Jet8, Kid You Not, Less Than Jake, Millie Manders & The Shut Up, Panic Problem, The Raging Nathans, Red City Radio, The Special Bombs, Wolf-Face and The Yum Yums.

Lastly, before revealing my lists, I wish to point out this isn’t a list of what I think the best releases are. Music isn’t a competition and you can’t have a “best” album or EP because it is all subjective. This is a list of releases that I have had the most fun listening to, have excited me or have touched me emotionally.

Imagine reading almost five hundred words of an end of year list before finding out which bands are on the list, probably a bit of overkill really. Right, on with the lists.

Top Ten EPs of 2020

10. Dead Inside by CF98

One of the bands I was most disappointed not to see at the cancelled MPF this year was Poland’s CF98. In the spring they released this fantastic skate punk EP full of interesting, uplifting and powerful songs. In the past few years it’s been wonderful to see more and more bands that aren’t just men having impacts on the skate punk scene and Dead Inside shows exactly why CF98 are so highly thought of. When gigs are allowed again, CF98 are high on my list of must see bands.

9. Proper Confessions by Brightview

Brightview are one of a number of bands in this article that I discovered this year via Bandcamp. They are a three piece band from Germany who play emotional punk rock. When I first listened to their EP Proper Confessions I was instantly reminded of Against Me! and The Gaslight Anthem. At times the band has this raw, folky style and at times there’s a hint of Americana storytelling involved. I’m not sure why more people haven’t been talking about these guys as, to me, they are one of the most exciting new bands I’ve heard in recent times. If Stefan and the Booze Cruise team happen to be reading this, please could you find a spot on next year’s festival for Brightview – thank you!

8. You Belong Here by Shinjoku Riot

When I first listened to You Belong Here by Mexican pop punks Shinjoku Riot it almost felt like they wrote the EP with me in mind. All four songs have this wonderful sing-along quality, with Rafael’s vocals really seeming to have improved since their last release, All We Have Is Now. You Belong here starts out in an urgent manor and finishes with what I think is the best song they’ve written so far in Face First To The Ground. This is one of those releases that I imagine will be even better performed live than it is recorded.

7. Alright by The Hype Pathetics

The Hype Pathetics are a band that I covered quite recently and I had so much fun reviewing them that I had to include them in this list. The three piece from Denver, Colorado, play fast and fun power pop punk music. This EP is so much fun. It’s the type that will you have you at the very least tapping your toes but you’re more than likely to find yourself having a full on dance party wherever you are listening to it. Every time I’ve listened to it I’ve found myself shaking my thang and having the most fun in the world. Something that has been desperately needed in 2020.

6. Pretend It’s Not Over by Resuscitators

I was in two minds about whether or not to include Pretend It’s Not Over by Resuscitators on this list due to their connection with CPRW Records but then I listened to the EP again and decided I had to as it’s really, really good. I have a memory of the band’s drummer Kyle coming up to me outside New Cross not long after the EP had been recorded and playing me some songs on his phone. Obviously, being played on a phone outside of a busy gig, it wasn’t easy to hear the songs so clearly but what I did hear was superb and it got me excited for the release. In my opinion the EP is such a big step up from the band’s previous material and has hopefully showcased them to a whole new group of fans. If you enjoy fast, melodic, gruff punk rock then Resuscitators should be on your radar.

5. Grower by Burnt Tapes

I’m not sure there are many bands in the UK DIY scene that work harder than the Burnt Tapes. Never a band that stands still for long, the band released Grower this year. Featuring three brand new tracks alongside an acoustic version of the fan favourite Yuzi, this yet again shows some more growth in the band’s songwriting. With each release the band seem to find their sound more and more, along with gaining new fans with each release. The Tapes were supposed to make two trips to America this year and I’m sure that they would have received incredible receptions wherever they played.

4. Tales From A Red Flag Galaxy by Stubborn Hearts

Stubborn Hearts are another band I found on Bandcamp and had a really fun time reviewing. They are a two piece from New York who play urgent melodic punk rock. Tales From A Red Flag Galaxy blew me away the first time I listened to it. It’s a bit of a throwback to the 90s punk sound but also feels fresh. Lead singer Jenn Lombari’s vocals are captivating whether they’re singing in a fast paced tempo or a slower more angst-fuelled style. The songs are brilliantly catchy but also contain a lot of substance and, for a two piece, they manage to make a lot of noise. The EP also finishes with a wonderful cover of Outer Space by The Muffs, so check it out for that reason alone.

3. Someday, One Day by Modern Shakes

When I first heard Someday, One Day by Modern Shakes I fully expected the band to do the double for my favourite EP of the year, having previously topped 2019’s list with Murmur. It says alot about just how good I think numbers one and two in my list are that Someday, One Day is number three. I feel that the band are one of London’s best kept secrets and if 2020 hadn’t gone the way that it has then these guys would have played gigs all around the UK by now on the back of this EP. If you’re not aware of Modern Shakes yet, they are front by former Janowski frontman Ian Crooks, who in my opinion has one of the best voices in punk rock at the moment and they play melodic pop punk music that would fit perfectly on a The Fest line up. They write songs about life as you approach your thirties and the problems that you face. I’m looking forward to 2021 and hopefully seeing these guys absolutely smash it.

2. Straight To VHS by Abandon The Midwest

Straight To VHS has everything I love about punk rock on it – catchy songs that I can relate to, dual and gang vocals and a raw and urgent energy to it. From the first moment I listened to it I was absolutely hooked. It’s been out about six months now and I still find myself getting so excited whenever I listen to it. I really love the contrasting vocals the band have. BJ’s cleaner pop vocals and Matt’s raspy, gruff vocals give the band their own recognisable sound. When you hear a song come on you’ll know it’s Abandon The Midwest. The Orlando based band have also released my song of the year in Mistreat Yourself. It’s a mid-tempo sing-along, fist in the air riot that I am aching to see live. Hey Tony and The Fest team, if you happen to be reading this, could you put Abandon The Midwest on the line up next year please? Thank you.

1. My Name Is by ALLDEEPENDS

I don’t think I had a more anticipated release for 2020 than My Name Is by ALLDEEPENDS. After seeing one of their first gigs at Book Yer Ane Fest at the end of 2019 I was itching to hear some recorded material from the band. My Name Is was eventually released by the legends that are Make-That-A-Take Records in the summer and I was blown away. Combining folk, hardcore and rap – three genres that aren’t usually bed buddies – and creating one of the most unique and exciting sounds I’ve heard in forever. I can’t say enough good things about this band. They are the band that I’ve recommended whenever someone has asked for something new to listen to this year. The EP is full of this raw energy that explodes from the speakers and seeps into your body. I always find myself getting so pumped up whenever I listen to My Name Is. This EP reminds me of what I first loved about punk rock in the first place – it makes me feel things, it makes me think, it makes me sing and most of all it makes me smile. I really can’t think of a better debut EP I’ve heard in a very long time. I’ve been listening to it relentlessly for six months now and that excitement I had when I first heard the EP is as high now as it was back then.

Top Ten Albums of 2020

10. Walter Concrete by Dead In Four

Dead In Four nearly appeared twice on my lists as they also released a fantastic EP in the form of Media Shower in 2020. Another of my 2020 Bandcamp discoveries, Dead In Four is the project of Mark Oslord from Bedford, New Hampshire. Walter Concrete is the softer of the two releases but features ten songs of brilliant dreamy punk rock. Oslord’s voice reminds me of a mix of Em Foster of Nervus and Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio and is just fantastic.

9. No Slow TempOs by Youth On Drugs

I think this year, more than any other, it’s been important to find the fun and silliness in music. Music, like a lot of art forms, is a type of escapism. No Slow TempOs offer one of the most fun releases of the year. This is catchy pop punk that doesn’t take itself too seriously, something that’s really been needed this year. Youth On Drugs have such an infectious sound and every time you listen to them you’ll find something new that you love. Is there a country that produces better pop punk bands than Canada?

8. Magic Summer by The Sewer Rats

I’ve been in love with The Sewer Rats since first seeing them at Hamburg Booze Cruise in 2019. In the summer of 2020 they released a new album titled Magic Summer, released in the UK by our friends at Disconnect Disconnect Records, and it ruled. The four piece combine Lookout Records style pop punk with a hint of skate punk to create a sound like no other. Thematically the band talk about growing up and falling in love alongside more serious topics such as veganism. Whatever they’re singing about, you’ll be singing along with them due to their incredible skill at writing catchy hooks.

7. Can’t Complain by Kill Lincoln

Can’t Complain by Kill Lincoln felt like the most anticipated ska punk album to be released in years before it came out in August. It did not disappoint. Squeezing eleven tracks into twenty-nine minutes, the album is a high octane thrill ride that barely pauses for breath. Can’t Complain sees the band at the very top of their game, not just with their playing skills but also with their songwriting. It feels like the popularity of ska punk is rapidly growing again in the United States and Kill Lincoln are at the forefront of the new movement.

6. 42 Losers by Melanie

Emo/pop punk isn’t a usual go to when I’m checking out new bands but I absolutely loved 42 Losers by New Zealand’s Melanie. What really grabbed me about this album is the raw emotion that comes from James Dentice’s vocals throughout 42 Losers. Whether it’s more of an uptempo song or a slower track, you just can’t ignore them. Given that Melanie are based in New Zealand, it feels unlikely that I’ll ever see them live and this makes me sad. Good thing that I now have 42 Losers to listen to when I am sad.

5. Revolution Summer by The Suicide Machines

This might be a controversial statement (feel free to disagree in the comments) but I think Revolution Summer by The Suicide Machines is the best thing Fat Wreck Chords have released in years. The long running ska punks from Detroit returned with their first new full length in fifteen years and they feel invigorated. Revolution Summer retains all of the social political commentary that the band have become known for but there’s also a feeling of positivity that really took the album to another level for me. This is an album that’s compulsory listening in 2020. I’ve listened to it a lot!

4. Slurring The Rhythms by Shut Up! Twist Again!

European punk rock has become a big part of my life in recent years and I’m always looking for new bands to discover. Without a doubt my favourite discovery of 2020 are French indie punks Shut Up! Twist Again!. The band released their second album Slurring The Rhythms on Guerilla Asso and Fond Of Life Records in August and I stumbled across it a month or so later and was hooked. The thing that first attracted me to the band was their ability to write songs that make me want to sing along. I like to feel involved in the music I’m listening to and that’s certainly the case for Slurring The Rhythms. Musically you can hear just how much thought has gone into every song on the album and the use of gang vocals are second to none. Hey, Stefan, if you’re booking Brightview for Booze Cruise Festival could you also find room for Shut Up! Twist Again! please? 

3. The Spaces In Between by Arterials

Another band I’ve been telling everyone to check out this year is Hamburg’s Arterials. I first fell in love with them whilst watching them play on a boat in Hamburg. The energy that they had live was brilliant and lead singer Flo has those wonderfully raspy vocals that I always enjoy. I was lucky enough to get an early listen of the band’s new album, The Spaces In Between, during the spring and I knew straight away that it would place highly in my end of year list. Each and every song on the album spoke to me in one way or another. I think it’s important for punk music to make you feel something, whether it’s feelings of catharsis, empowerment and influence or anything else. The Spaces In Between is great at this. Topics such as mental health, political and social injustices, friendship and climate change are all featured on the album. If you’ve not checked this out yet then make sure you do soon, it’s another important record for 2020.

2. Me, Myself And Something Else by Call Me Malcolm

I’m sure nobody reading this is surprised to find Call Me Malcolm on this list. It’s no secret how much I love this band. When the band released Me, Myself And Something Else (on Wiretap Records no less) my first thoughts were how would it compare to the awesome I Was Broken When You Got Here, which is by popular opinion a masterpiece. Well, in my opinion, they topped it. Musically the album feels heavier and you can clearly hear that following Random Hand for much of 2018 and 2019 has rubbed off on Malcolm. Of course, the album touches a lot on mental health issues and coming to terms with your struggles, and the band continue to show what fantastic songwriters they are. The big highlight for me on the album is the stepping up of sax player Mark Farthing as a co-lead vocalist. When he takes lead he shines and it’s added an additional dimension to an already amazing band. There’s every chance that Me, Myself And Something Else would have been top of this list if I’d had the chance to see any of these songs played live this year, I can’t wait to get the chance to!

1. Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down

Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down blew me away like no other in 2020. 3dBs Down are a band that I discovered in the past few years after befriending Paul Smith of Be Sharp Promotions (yup, that guy) and him telling me over and over again how they are the best band ever. Fast forward to this year, when this album landed in my inbox. After seeing them live a couple of times I was expecting something decent but I really wasn’t expecting an album that is this good. The band somehow manage to combine pop punk breakdowns and ska upstrokes into one cohesive sound and also have the very best harmonies in the UK punk scene – past, present and probably the future. Get Your Retaliation In First is the band’s first album in fifteen years and it became the soundtrack of my summer. It’s also the album I probably had the most fun reviewing all year. It’s so varied, not one song sounds the same and there are so many little intricacies that you hear for the first time with each listen. I’m sure there were a lot of new people to the UK punk and ska scene that discovered 3dBs Down for the first time this year and this album is a perfect way to welcome them to what the band do. The album touches on many social and political themes but also has some of the most uplifting songs I’ve heard all year. This album really has it all, it’s a lot of fun but it also makes you feel things. And did I mention the harmonies? Jeez, they’re so good. I’ve got my fingers crossed that 3dBs Down will play Get Your Retaliation In First in full at some point next year. Hey Paul, can you book that please? Thanks! Get Your Retaliation In First is my favourite album of 2020.

This top ten was written by Colin Clark.

Album Review: Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down

There’s a good chance that despite being a fixture of the punk and ska scene in the early 2000s, you’ve never heard of 3dBs Down. Between 2001 and 2007 the band toured the UK regularly alongside putting out two albums and an EP. Then they decided to take thirteen years off, only playing shows once or twice a year. I’ve been fortunate enough to catch them a couple of times in the past two or three years and have always been so impressed with them, playing their own brand of ska punk with crunching riffs and harmonies that the Beach Boys would be envious of. Paul Smith of Be Sharp fame has told me on many occasions that they are the best band ever – and who am I to argue with Paul? Now the time has come for 3dBs Down to release their first album in thirteen years. Titled Get Your Retaliation In First, this should be an album to release a fantastic band to a whole new generation of fans as well as giving a warm nostalgic feeling to old ones.

The album begins with At My Signal. Starting with an audio clip stating that men can’t show feelings, 3dBS Down then proceed to play a song about being there for your friends. The duelling guitars that are playing at the beginning of the song really build things up before the lead vocals come in. Lead singer Matt’s soaring vocals sound as good as ever as he takes us through the song. As the song progresses, we get our first crunching breakdown on the album that takes us towards the first display of 3dBs Down’s amazing harmonies. A great introduction for new fans and a welcome back for the old schoolers. Moussaka showcases the ska side of 3dBs Down’s sound. The band will have you skanking immediately on this track that really takes you on a series of highs and lows. There’s so much going on in the song, you’ll listen to it 100 times and still hear something new that you’ll love. Amazingly, despite the song being a hive of activity, it never feels too busy which is impressive songwriting. The gang vocals and harmonies at the end of the song – INCREDIBLE! The third song is titled Count To A Million. The opening two songs had more of a fun feeling around them but this shows a more serious side of the band. From the outset there is a high octane feeling to the song that is about the frustrations towards the selfish “all for one, one for me” culture that has clearly engulfed the country. The back and forth style delivery between gang vocals and Matt singing on his own sounds brilliant and adds plenty of energy to the song.

Up next is Sharpen Your Pitchforks. This song asks the question of “what makes you better?” to people who are very quick to judge. The track actually begins in quite a sombre fashion which caught me slightly off guard (in a good way) but the song does soon build up. Matt’s vocals are wonderful for helping the song grow towards its highest points and I can’t wait to sing along with the song live. Everyone Here Is Better Than You is a mid tempo punk rock sing-along and anthem-like song. The stop-start introduction will get your head banging in no time at all. The vocal harmonies throughout the opening of the song continue to give you the urge to head bang. 3dBs Down really use their ability to deliver these wonderful harmonies to such good effect, it’s like having a fifth instrument. I think they need to do some acapella songs. Idiot Ignorant Evil is a more chilled out reggae number for the most part. You’ve probably realised by now that 3dBS Down can’t just stick to one style in a song. The song has such a summer vibe to it you can imagine sitting in your garden, enjoying a cold drink and having a joyous bop to this song. The track is about being nice to people and having faith in human decency. I loved the positivity that pours out of the song, it put such a smile on my face as I danced around the living room.

The seventh song is titled Pink Cardigan Twinset. One of the more straightforward punk rock songs on Get Your Retaliation First, the track would fit perfectly on all of your skate punk playlists. On this song, 3dBs Down tackle the culture of putting on a front to try and get ahead in life and how it’s a temporary solution. Up next is a short song named Well that seems to be more of an interlude than anything else. It’s a softer song that serves as an introduction to the ninth song, Flat Out. Flat Out (which is appearing on our next CPRW Records compilation) shows off a heavier and more eerie side of 3dBs Down. It’s a positive song about constantly learning and evolving to continue to move forward. Midway through the track we get a breakdown that has a sample of Well that leads us towards a crunching, epic finale that will sweep you away. Hang In There Man is a track that the band have been playing live in recent years. Whenever I’ve seen them play it, it’s got me so excited for the band to release this album. It jumps back into the ska punk style and those superb upstrokes that make you want to dance with all the joy in the world flowing through your body. Hang In There Man is about looking out for your mental health and trying to find positives. I feel like I could say this about every song on this album but, oh my, the harmonies are so bloody good.

I was so sad that Greatest Day wasn’t a Take That cover. It is however a very good ska punk song about being positive about the future with the stand out line being “tomorrow could be the single greatest day of my life.” The theme of being positive pops up a few times of the album and it’s a refreshing change from the current trend of bands singing about how sad they are. I have to admit, the song’s finale is slightly poppy and cheesy but my goodness it had me grinning from ear to ear and singing along. The penultimate track on Get Your Retaliation In First is titled Institution. This is a chilled out reggae/dub track that will have you swaying along. This is a more political song that looks at fighting back when you’re feeling oppressed and not letting the institution win. This slower style adds so much power to this song as it has you really listening to the lyrics deeply. It’s a quite stunning vocal delivery that can’t be ignored. The thirteenth and final song is Light On A Dark Day. This, if you can believe it, is an eight minute long ska punk song. I thought Just Say Nay were the only band silly enough to attempt such a mental idea! Clearly I was wrong. 3dBs Down manage to squeeze a lot into a standard length song so just imagine what they’re able to do with eight minutes. There’s so much going on here, I don’t really feel like I can do it justice to even try and review it properly. Be safe in the knowledge that there’s big riffs, ska upstrokes, sing-alongs, harmonies, skankable moments, it’s full of positivity and it’s bloody brilliant.

In short, this album really was worth the thirteen year wait. Go and listen and if you’re unfamiliar with 3dBs Down’s back catalogue, go and educate yourselves. I hope that the release of this album means that the band will be playing more live shows in the future. Welcome back!

Stream and download lead single, Count To A Million, on Bandcamp here. Get Your Retaliation In First will be released on 31st July.

Like 3dBs Down on Facebook here.

This review was written Colin Clark.