Two of the UK's best current Anarcho-punk bands on Grow Your Own Records ask; 'What Is The Government Scared Of?'
Bands from the North of England, Amass and Cress have both played major parts in keeping anarcho-punk alive on these shores over the last couple of years. Amass are the newer band of the bunch, but their members have been actively involved in the DIY punk scene for many years. They have been instrumental in the recent reincarnations of 80’s anarcho bands, such as, The System and Alternative (SCO), as well as more recent bands like Boxed In and Embittered.
Cress, on the other hand, have been in existence since the early 90’s, but were born out of the ashes of early 80’s punk band, The Deformed. It’s really good to see Grow Your Own Records bringing both bands together for the release of this new split album, ‘What Is The Government Scared Of?‘. Housed in a large wrap-around fold-out cover, this album features some striking artwork, inspired by Stonehenge, in a package not dissimilar to what Crass were releasing back in the day. It’s got a limited pressing on vinyl, as well as a CD release and digital download option.
I first saw Amass play live in Hastings at GYO Fest last year, and they were bloody good. I was looking forward to hearing their new stuff, after enjoying their split album with D.O.V.E (USA) that came out last year (also on GYO Records). Amass get things rolling with ‘From South America To South Helton’. It’s a furious number, and they waste no time in laying out their manifesto. This has got a 90’s anarcho-punk sound that is totally my cup of cider. Dual female/male vocals dominate this song and from the off, I can tell they’ve upped their game since their last release (and I loved their last recordings). Powerful production and some great guitar riffing, before a slower breakdown lets us know the score. “From the black stuff to the white stuff, from coal to crack cocaine”. ‘Killer‘ is a breakneck piece of punk rock, with plenty of tunes to keep your head banging. It’s a song with an ecological message, highlighting the fact that our planet gets forever exploited for profit and gain.
The album’s title track is next, in the form of ‘What’s The Government Scared Of?’. It begins with news samples of the unforgettable footage filmed as the police stormed a traveller settlement in the early 90’s, trashing their vehicles/homes in the process. This song is another fast one, where Marnie and Bri’s vocals bounce off each other brilliantly. It’s a song that rages along to maximum effect. If this doesn’t get your fist shaking, then you must be lacking a pulse.
The Cress side of this album consists of six of their songs, segued together with samples. They have always had a distinctive sound, which is mainly down to their drum machine and their own take on the crust-punk style. Their live shows often involve video screens to get their point across, along with a decent light show (in their earlier days anyway), which helped to imprint them on our minds. I’ve seen them play many times over the years, and they are always great. They play punk in a ‘Crass meets Antisect‘ style, whilst also managing to bridge the gap between political punk rock and free festivals.
Track one is called, ‘You Can’t Park There’ which incidentally, includes backing vocals from Marnie and Andy from Amass (and their friend Mel). It’s an ode to the travelling community, and a mantra that probably gets said to them on a daily basis. As mentioned earlier, the album’s running theme is the persecution of people living alternative lifestyles, and this song exemplifies the fact. “Get to the stones and beat on the drums. Get to the stones and wait for the sun,” they say hopefully.
‘Eat Crow‘ begins with the insane ramblings of a madman, otherwise known as a certain Mr.Trump, as the tune takes a slow-paced doomy turn, in an almost Black Sabbath style. “Keep feeding the system and lower your head. Crawl on your belly, edge to your death.” ‘It all ends with a sample of the infamous Prince Andrew interview, where he denies all knowledge of sweating…
‘Control‘ sounds like the Cress we know and love. Mid-paced crust-punk, with a chorus that reminds me inexplicably of Eastfield in the singing melody department.
‘Control’ discusses governments spreading lies and propaganda, as they ultimately control us through division. As Cress say, “What are we fighting each other for? We should be fighting the government.”
Marnie from Amass provides vocals on ‘Monuments’, which is a cover of an earlier Cress song featured on the album of the same name. Incidentally, this line-up of the band is a slightly slimmed-down version of the Cress we know, but they still manage to maintain their power. The Cress side of the album ends appropriately with a song called ‘Exit’. It’s a slow number that brings to mind Hawkwind, but at the same time, Rudimentary Peni. They sing, “All of us made from the same dirt. Out from the same cloth, blood and shit. We are the unborn. We are the corpses. We are power, we are one.” It feels somehow celebratory.
This is a great release by both bands, and I honestly can’t fault it. Proper political punk rock, delivered with rage and compassion.
Released on 1st May via Grow Your Own Records, get your copy of ‘What Is The Government Scared Of?‘ HERE
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I have been writing reviews for Brighton & Hove News, and more recently Vive Le Rock magazine for a few years now. Previously, I could be spotted playing drums for many a band over the decades. A noisy habit developed whilst wearing short trousers at school, and one that has had me touring around the UK and Europe. Punk rock is my life, but I am also quite eclectic. I am an avid gig go-er and music devourer, and can feel out of sorts if a gig date is not on the horizon. I have also been known to put gigs on myself in order to fill those gaps.
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