Punk News Reviews

Album Review : Eastfield are back with a bang, as their new self-titled release draws into the station

By Sonny Tyler

UK DIY punks send us off the rails with their latest 12 track album on GYO Records!

Hard-working, train-based band Eastfield are certainly no strangers to the DIY punk scene, and it’s great to see them releasing a brand new album for our delectation. I’ve seen them in a live scenario many times over the years, but the last time was in December of last year, when they very ably headlined the Grow Your Own festival in Hastings. That night, Eastfield proved that they had lost none of their energy and bite, and how fitting that their latest self-titled album was to be released on the prolific Grow Your Own Records. It’s their second release for the label, and it’s an impressive one at that. Eastfield sing songs of a generally socio-political nature, but are also not scared to enjoy fun and frolics along the way (‘Frolitics‘ anyone?).

Jessi and Bambi - Eastfield - Undercover Festival 2025
Jessi and Bambi - Eastfield - Undercover Festival 2025 - photo by Ruth Rae
Eastfeld consists of Jessi on vocals and guitar, Trina on vocals, Bambi on bass/backing vocals and Bill on the drums (who also happens to drum for Culture Shock and Citizen Fish). The band are about to celebrate their 30th Anniversary in April, in the form of an unmissable gig in Sheffield.
The first song to leave the station is a familiar one, called ‘Pin Me To The Moral High Ground‘. I’ve seen the band play this in a live setting on a number of occasions and this recording captures its spirit perfectly. It’s hard to describe the Eastfield signature sound, but it is essentially punk rock in a slightly relentless Ramones style, with the light heartedness of the Rezillos maybe?
The brilliantly titled ‘Jesus Christ Turbostar‘ is up next, which has an intro not too dissimilar to 80’s punk legends, Blitz, but that’s where the similarity ends. This particular song criticises soulless modern trains, whilst reminiscing on how things once were. This is followed briskly by ‘Humour Exclusion Zone’, where the “future is orange.” People talking loudly and mundanely on their mobile phones on public transport are the targets for anger on this song, and I fully appreciate the band’s irritation.
The catchily titled ‘Port Talbot Transport Police‘ gets an airing next, which is this record’s anti-police number. It also happens to feature a great guitar solo! Eastfield certainly don’t mince their words on this ditty, as they proclaim, “The British Transport Police are scum”. ‘United Colours Of Weymouth’  briefly slows things down, and is a bit of a toe-tapper. This is followed by ‘Beast Of Bratislava‘ whose lyrics show up those shallow people who feel the need to exaggerate their tall tales and anecdotes.
This album has also given the band the opportunity to revisit certain parts of their back catalogue, which pretty much effectively represents the Eastfield live set of today. ‘Faredodging’ is a bit of an Eastfield anthem and a firm fan favourite. It’s also an infectious song which sets the most static heads in the room bobbing to its beat.

‘Rugely Crimestoppers‘ is one of the highlights on the album for me.  It’s a well constructed song about the law encouraging people to snitch on their fellow man about petty offences, distracting them from the real criminals (bankers). Jessi and Trina‘s vocals complement each other perfectly, and coupled with the band’s tight musicianship make this album a good clear, energetic representation of their music and punk spirit.

Eastfield 30th anniversary gig poster

As the metaphorical train speedily draws into the station, we are treated to another familiar favourite, in the form of  ‘Another Boring Eastfield Song‘, where the band are close to breaching some kind of trade descriptions act. Every song is a winner on this 12-track album, so do yourself a solid, and buy a one way ticket to punk rock central. Let’s face it, everyone loves a bit of Eastfield.

Eastfield‘s new self-titled album comes in a striking 4-colour sleeve, emblazoned with the band’s familiar logo. An extensive lyric booklet is included too! Order your copy of the album HERE

Catch Eastfield live in a town near you:
Fri 20th March – The Barge Inn (Pewsey)
Sat 21st March – The King Arthur (Glastonbury)
Sat 25th April – 30th Anniversary Gig – Zephyrs Stag Works (Sheffield)
Sat 27th June – Victoria Bikers Pub (Coalville)
Sat 25th July – Fire Dance Festival, Girsby and Over Dinsdale Village Hall (Darlington)
Thu 6th to Sun 9th August – Rebellion Festival (Blackpool)

Eastfield album cover 2025

1. Pin Me To The Moral High Ground
2. Jesus Christ Turbostar
3. Humour Exclusion Zone
4. Port Talbot Transport Police
5. United Colours Of Weymouth
6. Beast Of Bratislava
7. Straight Outta Santa-Fe
8. Faredodging
9. Three Seats
10. Rugely Crimestopper
11. Johnny McDonald
12. Another Boring Eastfield Song

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