Uncompromising London Anarcho-punks deliver their long awaited 'You Bastards!' mini album
These London politicos have been part of the UK Punk scene for many a decade by now. Active Slaughter have never been a band to mince their words, and this mini album ‘You Bastards!‘ is no exception. If you think punk rock shouldn’t include politics, then think again. Most bands in the genre have varying degrees of politics in their lyrics, and punk is protest music after all. This band is coming from an anarcho-punk direction, where a righteous anger fights through their music. They are looking for some justice in a world that doesn’t seem to care anymore.
Active Slaughter are:
J.J. – vocals
Lara – vocals
Trys – guitar and vocals
Shea ‘Dub’ Darcy – bass
Trev – drums
Eight angry tracks come at you on ten inches of limited edition eco vinyl, complete with two pages of lyrics and a patch to sew onto your battle jacket. The CD has been glass mastered and includes a lyric poster too. The striking 4-colour cover art has been designed by Iain Ball from South Coast punk band, Armoured Flu Unit, and ‘You Bastards!‘ has been dedicated in loving memory to Mark, an ex-Active Slaughter band member and friend, who sadly passed away recently. The album is even named after one of his catchphrases!
‘Blue Lights Flash‘ kicks the album off nicely, with a mid-tempo driving rhythm and an anti-police message. J.J’s vocals come over crystal clear, as he rages over the deaths of members of the public at the hands of the police. “Fuck the Police….A.C.A.B”, he shouts. ‘Doomsday Clock‘ has an ecological message, soundtracked by a slower, old school, guitar chugging piece of punk rock. “Deforestation, pollution and extinction… It’s fuckin’ madness!” the band sing in frustration. This song also reminds me of Scottish anarcho-punks, Oi Polloi, and that’s a good thing in my book.
‘Halfway There But Not Any Closer‘ is in more of an Oi! style musically, which mentions certain people’s behaviour during the COVID-19 crisis, and the right-wing marches that were spawned from it. ‘Carry On Apocalypse‘ is a catchy tune about the breakdown of society and the world, amidst blatant genocide and the displacement of Palestinians, “where there’s nothing left to restore”. It’s a fast, metal-tinged tune, with a spoken-word voice over reminding us that the world is going to shit.
‘Charms Race‘ reminds me of Conflict in a way, where the vocals are almost spoken such as Colin Jerwood would have done it, back in the day. It’s a song stating how Joe Public is being brainwashed with government lies, with the promise of, “another 5-year term of organised government crime.” ‘The Meek Shall Inherit The Dearth‘ has a chunky bassline and also reminds me of Conflict (also a good thing). We are told that war is big business, where there is “cash over welfare. What’s the planet worth?”. This song chimes out appropriately with the sound of an explosion.
‘Smash M.B.R‘ is a re-working of an old song by the band, but instead of Huntingdon Life Sciences, testing on beagle dogs is the target. Animal rights have always been close to Active Slaughter‘s heart, and this song of resistance and liberation cements that fact. ‘Destroy The Dividing Line‘ is the closing song on this mini- album, and it’s one of the highlights. The band explain how the far right are causing a divide and politicians are getting rich in the process. All this, while the working class continue to fight amongst themselves. “We’ve gotta fight back!” the band say, as ‘You Bastards!‘ comes to a close.
‘You Bastards!‘ is a worthy follow up to Active Slaughter’s previous album, ‘Set The World Alight‘ and it’s an enjoyable, inspiring collection of songs. If you like your punk music chock-full of protest and anger, then look no further.
Grab your copy of ‘You Bastards!‘ HERE
- Blue Lights Flash
- Doomsday Clock
- Halfway There But Not Any Closer
- Carry On Apocalypse
- Charms Race
- The Meek Shall Inherit The Dearth
- Smash M.B.R.
- Destroy The Dividing Line
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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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