The soundtrack to a revolution, this trio has evolved into something so much more than their individual parts
The second album from Bexhill band Gripper Lee ‘Hymn For A Godless Universe‘, which dropped on 1st May 2026, is their first to feature guitarist and producer Justin Saban. The result is a big sound, reminiscent of classic 1980s post-punk and goth, delivered with plenty of energy and attitude, and a few surprises as the journey progresses. Their razor-sharp lyrical wit rails against the many injustices of the age, always with an eye to the bigger picture.
Justin also played his part on Gripper Lee‘s superb EP release last year, ‘Look Away Now‘, along with originals Richie Nice on lead vocals and bass guitar and Martyn ‘Gripper’ Lee on drums and backing vocals.
First track ‘Really Don’t Care‘ is a bold and brilliant anti-capitalist rocker! The gang vocals on the chorus “They really don’t care about you” hit hard. The final verse offers an alternative: “And in the face of tyranny, We need solidarity, Cherish your community, Your friends and your family, Yeah, the people who care about you”. Sound advice indeed.
Following number ‘Something We Can Do‘ pokes out its tongue at some of the ridiculous (and threatening) things said to bands by idiotic punters. Justin’s guitar solo also bites back! ‘Signify Nothing‘ is another punk banger, this time taking aim at the far-right bigots and haters with their false and blind ‘patriotism’. “I don’t want a future where, No one helps and no one cares” sings Richie emphatically:
A rallying call for solidarity, ‘Organise‘ is a powerful and heartfelt number. “Don’t be depressed by the hate you hear expressed, Don’t be downcast by the rolling news broadcast, Don’t be deceived. It’s a web of lies they weave, Organise! We’re strong together”.
One of two songs to make it from the EP to the album, ‘Pale Blue Dot‘ is a song to remind us of our fragile place in the universe “All human life is here, This pale blue dot, this lonely sphere”. Why do people waste it by warring and killing? The other is live favourite ‘Look Away Now‘, a lively, catchy-as-hell punk number with a strong anti-apathy message!
We’re back to newer songs with ‘High Tension High Pressure‘, an apprehensive track about how easy it is for things to escalate towards our destruction. More fantastic guitar work is in evidence from Justin here.
‘The Long Road‘ is a slower number about the journey through life’s harder parts; depression, grief, and trauma. Soulful and stirring, there’s meaning in every word and echoing note.
Post-punk song ‘The Death Of A Dream‘ is an unexpected gem. Richie’s voice soars over Justin’s melodic guitar, while Gripper’s complex rhythms and smooth harmonies complement the track perfectly. This is reminiscent of ‘Feline‘ era Stranglers – they were ahead of their time!
Closing the album with its title track ‘Hymn For A Godless Universe‘, Gripper Lee remain in a reflective mood. The song gradually builds towards a huge conclusion, echoing the vastness of the universe itself.
This isn’t just a good album – it’s a genuinely great album from a trio who have gelled into something so much more than their individual parts. We are excited to hear Gipper Lee‘s musical evolution, and this, their soundtrack to a revolution!
‘Hymn For A Godless Universe‘ is out now on CD, Digital Download, and black Vinyl with the sleeve featuring imagery by artist Greg Howes, plus further artwork and full album lyrics printed on the inner bag. Get your copy HERE
Live Band Photos: RUTH RAE
Live Videos: ALTEREDNATIVES , AMANDA SABAN & AVRIL COELHO
- Really Don’t Care
- Something We Can Do
- Signify Nothing
- Organise
- Pale Blue Dot
- Look Away Now
- High Tension High Pressure
- The Long Road
- The Death Of A Dream
- Hymn For A Godless Universe
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