Future Classic: The Voice Of Treason by Faintest Idea

Future classic time again. This time we're looking at Faintest Idea's third album The Voice Of Treason. Over the past few years Faintest Idea have become one of the big hitters in the UK punk scene due to their incredible live show and back catalogue of great songs. If I were to try and single out a big landmark in the musical career of Faintest Idea it has to be the release of The Voice Of Treason, hence why it is my choice for a Future Classic.

I first became aware of Faintest Idea sometime between the release of their second album Ignorance Is This and The Voice Of Treason. I'm not sure how exactly I became aware of them but I instantly became hooked on their blend of street punk and ska and began to listen to Ignorance Is This and particularly the song 2 Years Conscription - the lyric "If You're Not Pissed Off Then You're Not Paying Attention" is superb. Then the band announced the release of The Voice Of Treason and accompanied that with videos for brand new tracks Youth and Bull In A China Shop. I was stoked. This was going to be the best thing ever. After seeing them for the first time supporting The Toasters at the Waterfront in Norwich, I picked up a CD and it became a permanent fixture in my listening habits.

The Voice Of Treason starts off with what has become Faintest Idea's trademark live show opening …Back To The Asylum. When playing live, the Faintest Idea horn section start the set in the crowd and blast the now classic brass melody. I challenge anyone to hear it and not be humming it for days afterwards. It's a perfect song to get a crowd warmed up and it's an even better way to start an album.

Many of the songs on The Voice Of Treason are still a big staple of the Faintest Idea live set and probably get the biggest reactions of any. The aforementioned Bull In A China Shop and Youth are potentially the most popular of all. Bull In A China Shop is just a great party song. With an instantly danceable tune and a chorus that you can pick up easier than learning how to play snap. Once you get through the first chorus you'll be singing along like you've heard it a thousand times. As fun as the song is it's actually about a serious topic. It's about feeling as if you're in the minority with trying to stand up and make a change. Youth is another hugely danceable song that, if you've got the energy for shouting along alongside some fast paced skanking, I predict you'll definitely lose your voice too.

The album also features other classics such as House Of Cards, Mutual Aid, 36 Barrels, These Words Are Our Weapons and Battling The Cage. These are more songs you'll be dancing and singing until you have no strength left in your body. They're also all songs that will make you think, teach you things and hopefully empower you. Like many punk bands Faintest Idea try to spread their own political message to the masses and as fun as the music is I've always found that their own particular messages are what sets them apart from many of their contemporaries in the scene. This is protest music. It's about getting an organised group together to learn and fight for the things that matter to them. And if you can have a great time whilst you're learning and whilst your fighting well that's just even better, isn't it?

If you're a fan of UK punk and ska then The Voice Of Treason should be an essential album in your collection.

Order the recently released vinyl version of Voice Of Treason from TNSRecords here: https://www.tnsrecords.co.uk/?product=faintest-idea-voice-treason-vinyl

Like Faintest Idea here: https://www.facebook.com/Faintestidea/

This Future Classic was nominated by Colin Clark.

Top Tens: Graeme from Dynamite Dynamites Top Ten Punk Rock Influences

Manic Street Preachers
Everything Must So was the first album I bought. James Dean Bradfield is still one of my favourite guitarist. The production on the tracks with the orchestra blew my mind.

Madness
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my uncle. He lived for northern soul, two tone, motown and ska. Madness reminds me of hanging out with him, drinking and laughing. The young version of me wanted to play the saxophone so I could play "one step beyond".

Green Day
I was 12 when I first heard Dookie. My friend from school had nicked it from his older brother and was playing it on tape. It struck a chord with me like nothing else. From that point on I was a fan. They split opinion, but growing up they were punk rock and influenced me like no other band.

Ramones
I love ramones! The catchy fast pace punk tracks, the leather jackets, the long hair and ripped jeans is still the blueprint for every great rock band! We had The Ramones as our first dance at our wedding so they hold extra sentimental value for me.

T. Rex
My mum was a massive Marc Bolan fan so much so that my middle name is Marc. I grew up hearing T. Rex all the time. Marc set the tone for a lot of glam and rock artists is a seriously underrated guitarist.

Elvis
What can you say about the king? He had the best voice, an attitude well beyond his years and let's face it, he was the coolest guy with a guitar.

My Chemical Romance
I first heard these guys from a rock magazine compilation CD. The track was Thanks For The Venom. As soon as I heard it I was amazed at the pace and the snarl of Gerard's vocals and the theatrical element. With every album they reinvented themselves and wrote some seriously great punk rock tracks. ‎

Red City Radio
I only heard about Red City Radio when I joined Dynamite Dynamite. As soon as I heard them it was love. They sound like everything I ever wanted to sound like. They are a massive influence for DD especially when they had dual vocals.

Mötley Crüe
The Crüe were forced upon me by an old work colleague who was a big hair metal fan. At first I wasn't keen but the more I heard them the more I liked them and before long I was a fan. The band had the worst reputation, looked like a drag act gone wrong but they were the real deal.

Wildhearts
My friend Joules introduced me to the Wildhearts. Ginger is one of the best lyricist this country has ever produced. The dual vocals and awesome harmonies are one of my key influences when we're learning new material.

Dynamite Dyanmite have a new single named Werewolves that's released tomorrow. Be sure to check out their Bandcamp page here to hear it, it's fantastic. Also like Dyanmite Dynamite here on Facebook.

Album Review: Curio Cabinet by The Mighty Bossmags

The Mighty Bossmags are a band like no other. The band describe themselves as "raw, experimental and bizarre groove punk 'n' roll potion concocted of ska, swing, funk and synth driven electronic flavours." Based in Warrington, the band just released a brand new album on Bredda Records and Anti Pop Records named Curio Cabinet. Let's say this - it was a very interesting listen.

The intro gives you a feel of what you should expect from Curio Cabinet. It has a pirate nightmare theme, with a spooky voice that you might hear telling tales at one of those odd sideshow fun fairs you see on the TV. The album starts properly with a proper skankfest for the song Ghost Ship. It's upbeat and listening to it will get your knees high immediately. There is a bit of a Celtic theme to go along with the ska so as I'm sure that you can imagine it's a lot of fun! The horror theme of the album is very apparent on Withered Hand with the synth adding a spooky atmosphere to the song. To add to this atmosphere there are plenty of cackles added to the song that might give people nowhere near as brave as me the willies. The fourth song Gazeebo Anthrax is what I assume is the closest The Mighty Bossmags will get to a traditional punk song. It's fast paced, with one hell of a catchy chorus. It's obviously alot of fun to listen to and will get you smiling from the first chorus. White Limousine is more of an old school rock 'n' roll track, you know, with a spooky vibe. The song takes a strange break midway through with just some bells jingling before the song builds up again, with the inclusion of an engine running. The breakdown in the middle of the song was so unexpected I actually thought that a new song was starting.

Poison Tree starts with a pounding drum beat and some keys, showing off a jazzier side of The Mighty Bossmags unique sound. Weirdly I'm kind of reminded of Muse on this track, at least at the beginning as halfway through the song transforms into more of a folky sounding song complete with mandolin. Track number seven is named Too Much. Blending a mix of ska, punk and psychobilly, it's another unique sounding song that will get you dancing your night away. Too Much is a song that does an excellent job of showing what good musicians the folk in The Mighty Bossmags are, taking a mix of styles and moulding them together brilliantly. One of the strongest songs on Curio Cabinet. It's Alright is another more straight forward punk rock song. Musically it's one of the heavier sounding songs on the album and is just a fun no-thrills number that does its job well. After all of the spooky pirate themed numbers it's a bit refreshing to hear a more traditional (for The Mighty Bossmags anyway) song. Waste Of Time is a song that switches between straight forward punk and ska brilliantly. At one minute you can be banging your head before you find yourself skanking around your room before going right back to banging your head. Something I've noticed that this band do very well is switch up their styles in songs. It keeps you always guessing.

Rise And Fall is the album's longest track. Beginning with a strong bassline, we are then treated to a lovely piece of crust punk that gets you swaying before a big sing-a-long chorus comes in. Soon enough things are switched up and that spooky sound that could give even the bravest of kids the heebie-jeebies comes in accompanied by an excellent guitar riff. This long musical interlude is soon interrupted by some super fast paced ska and one final chorus to finish things off. This song is all over the place in the greatest way. Ghost House is a fun horror punk tune. To me it sounds like the theme to a so-bad-it's-good horror comedy b-movie. I don't have much else to say about this one. The penultimate song on Curio Cabinet is named Johnny The Claw. Johnny The Claw is a plodding rock 'n' roll song that begins as a real foot stomper. As things progress the spooky pirate horror theme sneaks into the song. I particularly enjoyed the song's energy as the sound grows and we get a passionate ending. Finally we have the song Banana. This is a very apt song title as the song is absolutely bananas. Just listen to it!

Curio Cabinet is easily one of the most unique records I've ever heard. It's like nothing you've ever heard before. This is why I really enjoyed it. Honestly I had no idea what was happening half of the time but I think that's part of the fun of the album. It takes you out of your comfort zone and has you smiling the whole way through.

Stream and download Curio Cabinet here: https://themightybossmags.bandcamp.com/album/curio-cabinet

Like The Mighty Bossmags here: https://www.facebook.com/Bossmags/

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Album Review: Dear John Letters by Seagulls

On occasion I search through the Discovery section on Bandcamp looking for cool new bands for our Band Of The Week section. This is how I found out about Atlanta, Georgia based four piece Seagulls. In October the band released a new two song single named Dear John Letters. I loved it immediately so I excitedly opened up a Word Document to review it there and then.

The first of the two songs is named Foot, Meet Mouth. The track begins with a little guitar feedback before launching into some rapid fire and pounding drums. I loved that when the vocals hit they were in the form of gang vocals - gang vocals are my favourites. The gruff vocals remind me heavily of Ryan Young's from Off With Their Heads yet the melody feels much more like Iron Chic. Two of my favourite bands in the world there so it's no wonder I really enjoyed Seagulls. The song is about realising that you've made a mistake and trying to make amends. Despite its gruffness Foot, Meet Mouth is really catchy and it's a song you will be singing along to instantly. This is a great, melodic, raw, pop punk track.

The second song is the single's title track Dear John Letters. This is the song I first heard when I randomly clicked play to see if Seagulls were any good. Turns out they're very good. This is one of my favourite songs of the year. Like Foot, Meet Mouth, it's a super catchy gruff pop punk track. It's so full of energy and will have you throwing your fists up, moshing and shouting your lungs out to the song. I feel like this track will give a lot of people very hoarse throats when they see it live. It starts out at a very fast paced and barely slows throughout its three minutes and fifty-eight seconds duration. The song is about trying to help a friend who is at the end of their tether and is contemplating ending their life. This is serious stuff and it's interesting to hear this song from the friend's point of view. I adored the lyric "We're Still Alive, Someday We'll Die, Let's Make The Most Of Our Fucking Time." A song of complete and utter quality.

What a single this is! I discovered the band and wrote this review in less than half an hour as this single got me oh so excited. I am now playing through the rest of the songs in their discography and falling more and more in love with Seagulls.

Stream and download Dear John Letters here:  https://seagullsatl.bandcamp.com/album/dear-john-letters

Like Seagulls here: https://www.facebook.com/seagullsatl

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Top Tens: Richard Mairs Top Ten Movielife Songs

Few bands have had the ability to craft such a consistently brilliant back catalogue, full of pop-hard-core and melodic punk anthems. Ahead of their full UK tour in November here are 10 the essential Movielife songs that get our fists in the air at Colin's Punk Rock World Towers.

10 . Hand Grenade
If ever there was a song that typified unrequited love, being attracted to the wrong people and how manipulative they can be it would be “Hand Grenade”. As will become clear through this top 10 the Movielife have always been a band that anyone can relate to; and this is a brilliant example of their heart-on-sleeve pop-punk cuts; buzz-saw guitars, huge choruses and a warm sincerity coming from Vinnies lyrics. Handgrenade was one of the highlights off of “Gambling Problem” when it was released, and remains a personal favourite still due to its ability to resonate on so many levels, from the brilliant guitar work, Vinnies pining lyrics and even the whole structure of the song. In many ways this was the turning point from their more pop-hardcore revelation era to the more pop-punk sound of their Drive-Thru releases and ultimately should be applauded as the perfect balance between the two.

9. Dead To The World

An old one that still appears in set lists today. Dead to the World is a true classic; it stood out when “It’s go Time” was released due to its brattishness and set the template for many of the great songs off their classic “This Time Next Year”. It has a simple construction which underpins the sheer pop-punk perfection of the song meaning it still remains one of their finest songs almost 20 years after its release.

8. 10 Seconds Too Late
The Movielifes time on Revelation Records is often overlooked compared to their time on Drive-Thru however when I picked up a copy of “This Time Next Year” I instantly realised I’d stumbled across something special. Rev was always a favourite label of mine for its hardcore roster but here was a band intent on making the sound more marketable; palatable and even dare I say accessible. Coming in immediately after the brief “I Hope You Die Soon”, “10 seconds...” remains a very poignant and passionate song that really gets the album going, with Vinnies vocals straining in all the right places to really hit home; coupled with a spectacular hardcore beat down and brilliantly slowed down last half that make it such a banger!

7. If Only Duct Tape Could Fix Everything
One of their finest pop moments "Duct Tape" is a true ballad which showcases both how great Vinnie is as a lyricist and as a vocalist; it's almost spoken delivery allowing the poignancy and emotion of the words to hammer the feeling home. Where they have always excelled is in producing relatable songs and this is no different with its themes about how hard it can be to keep going, blame and responsibility within a relationship. Obviously is aided by fantastic sing-a-long moments particularly in the final quarter. A true classic and one of the stand-outs of "Gambling Problem".

6. Mercy Is Asleep At The Wheel
Proving that absence certainly makes the heart grow fonder, the unleashing of a new album after their hiatus was certainly welcome and furthermore led by one of the stand out tracks from "Cities in search of a heart". "Mercy" is huge song; its slow burner of a verse explodes with a massive chorus and hits all the right Movielife notes with its melodies. Whilst the subject matter will no doubt conjure images of their own van crash experience it remains honest, sincere and thoroughly epic!



5. Face Or Kneecaps / Jamestown
Okay so this is a bit of a cheat; however it's difficult to separate these two songs; both physically and in terms of their quality and narrative. The opening section of Jamestown containing so many nods to elements of Face or Kneecaps it makes sense to combine them here.

Kicking off "40 hour train back to Penn" “Face or Kneecaps” and “Jamestown” are the inevitable outpouring of emotion following their near fatal van accident, which heaped additional pressure on already fractured relationships whilst crafting their third album. Whilst “Face or Kneecaps” feels the most abstract and psychological of the two, “Jamestown” helps provide the context and imagery behind the tragedy, such as the "late night snowfall". These two songs also have the most anger, vitriol and defiance of the tracks on the album and as such have most in common with their previous long-player as opposed to some of the slower, softer or poppies elements found further in the album. Both are frantic, energetic and true examples of how the honesty of Vinnie's writing has an ability to connect with the listener.

4. Kelly's Song
A true fan favourite and a genuine goose bump inducing song. Its autopsy of a relationship is both heart-breaking and accepting of its fate in equal measures. Vinnie has always excelled when writing and singing from the heart and this exemplifies his humble and genuine approach to life.

3. Another Friend
I dare say one of the first songs many may have heard by the Movielife would be “Another Friend”; an instantly catchy, simple song with an explosive chorus, again the trademark relatable lyrics. It's a true fist in the air anthem. Then you have the final third, an emotional powerhouse section where Vinnie pleads for clarification on where the relationship is going. It has everything you'd expect and hope to see from a Movielife song!

2. Once In A Row
Pure pop-hardcore, complete with the best gang-vocals a crowd will climb over each other to grab the microphone for. A special nod must go to drummer Evan Baken for a brilliant performance and the driving sections linking the verse and chorus; these build anticipation and keep the flow of the song from its hardcore verses to the pop-punk choruses. It's always been a highlight of their live sets and pretty much their call-to-arms for their angsty, disaffected followers to stand up and be counted.

1. Ship To Shore
If the start of 40 hour train seemed like a band who were vulnerable and at breaking point “Ship To Shore” is a defiant stand about why the band do what they do. It acknowledges the weariness and challenges of being on the road, of touring and the toll it can take on loved ones that are left behind, but behind it all it pays homage to the joys of performing and the fans that support them. This is everything that's magical about the Movielife distilled into one song; it's pacey, driven by an incessant beat and fast, layered guitars while Vinnie's vocals are passionate and raspy. Then it hits the midsection; the tempo drops, it softens and almost stops building to a brilliantly satisfying climax. It really is pop punk perfection and truly the bands finest hour.

Honerable mentions

Walking On Glass

This Time Next Year

Self-Destruct

Sailor Tattoos

Check out The Movielife here for information on their upcoming UK tour.

This top ten was compiled by Richard Mair.

Album Review: Survival Pop by Worriers (by Robyn Pierce)

If there’s something the world needs right now, it’s some good music to help us deal with the daily political scandals, the ubiquitous prejudice, and the nearly constant threat of nuclear apocalypse plaguing humanity. So, when I first saw the name of the new album from New York-based band Worriers, I thought of a lifeline thrown out to save someone drowning at sea. Survival Pop was cast into the expanse on 29 September by SideOneDummy Records and it is my total jam at the moment. I am a new convert to Worriers, and part of the reason I was drawn to the band is because it is the solo songwriting project of Lauren Denitzio, who is a feminist and outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community within the American and global punk scene. I think the scene is doing well to create more space and opportunity to talk about issues of inclusion, identity, and equality, and bands like Worriers really help to drive the conversation. So, perhaps Worriers isn’t only promising ‘survival’ but hinting at a possible way forward too.

Survival Pop opens with ‘My 85th Rodeo’, beginning with some grave and meditative piano chords and Denitzio’s formidable vocals. But, the tone quickly shifts and the song picks up a strong jiving beat, with some wonderful guitar picking laid on top and a dreamy bass line thrown in for good measure. This opener offers us the album’s first suggestion for surviving the modern era when Denitzio sings, “Smile at the worst of things, laugh when I hate everything”. ‘Not Your Type’ is a well-worked pop punk song about living up to others’ expectations and feeling as though there is a pre-cast mold you’re meant to fill but never will. ‘Possibility’ is an absolute joy of a song, bursting with the positive potential described in its title. The strength of Worriers’ songwriting lies in the fantastic balance between more poppy elements like the background ‘ooh, oohs’ of ‘Possibility’, and the song’s artful, intricate guitar parts. ‘Gaslighter’ may be the best song on the album; it’s certainly a strong contender with its infectious guitar hook and singalong chorus. The beginning of ‘What We’re Up Against’ starts so similarly to The Lippies song ‘Hot Air Balloon’ that the first time I heard it I was taken by surprise. It’s a really jaunty and upbeat song about not giving up, despite being up against it.

‘Future Me’ is another standout track off the album with a strong, engaging melody. In this song, Denitzio interrogates her past experiences which haunt her present life. ‘Self Esteemed’ jolts you out of this self-reflection with some crisp drum beats and possibly the most singalongable chorus on Survival Pop. This song speaks so directly to me, with all its reflection on self confidence issues, that I think it’s my personal favourite. ‘No Thanks’ offers you a two-fer, with a bass-driven first half and guitar-laden second half. ‘Glutton (Reprise)’ returns to the intricate guitar work of the first couple tracks, while ‘WTF is sleep’ introduces some drowsy fuzz in a song about insomnia and anxiety. ‘Best Fear / Worst Fantasy’ takes aim at homophobia and transphobia, speaking plainly about the burden that homosexual and transgender people carry in having to constantly justify and explain their existence and identity to others. Denitzio proudly proclaims, “You can't disarm me with words that I chose for myself, can't force upon me the judgement of anyone else. I'm not the problem but a greater fantasy. Don't know what you're imagining, your worst fear sets a fire in me”. ‘Open Heart’ brings a strong close to the album with some rousing drum beats and a pledge to be open to the potential for positive change despite the real possibility of getting hurt.

Survival Pop offers more than just ‘survival’ or ‘pop’. These songs are not only catchy and immediately likeable, they are also well-written, interesting, tight, and wonderfully self-assertive. Denitzio probes into complex and personal issues that are not dealt with by a lot of other bands, and what she’s created here with Worriers are some of my favourite songs released this year. My first instinct concerning this album wasn’t far off; Survival Pop does offer a kind of lifeline, something to beat back the tide of anxiety, frustration and isolation that inevitably seeps into everyone’s life at one time or another. It does this by presenting the listener with Denitzio’s own process of dealing with these issues, reminding us that we’re not alone and that we have the strength to push on.

Stream and download Survival Pop here: https://worriers.bandcamp.com/album/survival-pop

Like Worriers here: https://www.facebook.com/worriersmusic/

This review was written by Robyn Pierce.

Album Review: Old Words by Tragical History Tour

Tragical History Tour is the acoustic solo endeavour of Derrick Johnston, the gentleman behind Scottish DIY punk label Make-That-A-Take Records, Book Yer Ane Fest and numerous bands including Uniforms, Joey Terrifying and Shitgripper. Derrick has been hard at work on his long awaited debut album, Aphorisms, that is being co-released on MTAT and Aaahh!! Real Records. To wet our appetite before the LP release Derrick has released a new EP named Old Words which features one track from Aphorisms and three live in session recordings.

The EP's opener is also its title track, Old Words. The first thing that will strike you when you listen to the song is Derrick's thick Scottish accent mixed in with a rough, growling vocal style. The contrast in the vocal style and the soft acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song is quite striking and really grabs your ears. The tempo of the song is quickly raised and that is when Old Words really comes into its own, with the chorus really standing out and making me want to sing along passionately. Gratitude is a song that is equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting. Which is kind of a weird sentence to write. It's about getting over a terrible break up and somehow finding the strength to move on and attempt to heal from a broken heart. I was completely captivated by this song from beginning to end. Derrick's vocals give the song so much realism. You hear so many pop stars writing break up songs with their clean, super produced cookie cutter vocals - none of those voices will get to you like Derrick's will. Knowing Derrick, I'm certain that he wouldn't want anybody to go through this pain but at least there is now a song out there that anyone who needs it can relate to and hopefully find some positives from the situation. The third track, This Is My Rifle, is another about struggling with life and all of the stresses that come with it but finding an escape. Again Derrick's voice is completley captivating, when he sings nothing else in the room matters as he has your undivided attention. This is another song that could really get a crowd in a basement or backroom of a pub singing along passionately. The track's finale is such a fine piece of songwriting. I love the lyrics "Celebrating Life In My Own Way, Don't Waste Your Time Every Time You Pray, If You're Chasing Light, Live For Today." Last up is Father's Day. This is a much more up-tempo song than the three previous. It's a deeply personal song about the dealing with the aftermath of his father's death. Derrick sings about having to deal with all of horrible administrative things that comes with the death of a loved one and finding the strength to keep going forward despite the grief that he is dealing with. It's another really sad song about a difficult time in his life and finding ways to help yourself deal with the pain. Like writing a song about the situation. What else would a punk do?

Old Words is a superb release. Probably by favourite so far from Tragical History Tour. The is honest, passionate, raw, heartbreaking but also empowering stuff. Everything acoustic punk rock should be. This is got me salivating to hear Aphorisms when it's finally released.

Stream and download Old Words here: https://tragicalhistorytour.bandcamp.com/album/old-words-ep

Like Tragical History Tour here: https://www.facebook.com/tragicalhistorytour

This review was written by Colin Clark.