Pulling no punches, punk and protest in ten terrific tracks!
Musically, MC16 are a short sharp shock of classic punk rock – a whirlwind of snarl and bite, mixed with a ragged melody and street-wise energies. These punk festival favourites are about to release their eagerly anticipated full-length debut album, ‘Machine Code‘. Following a string of insightful, thought-provoking video singles, two mini-albums, plus numerous festival appearances and high-profile support slots, the trio step up a gear with this 10-track album.
“It’s taken nearly 5 years to get this point!” remarks drummer Duffy. “I guess it’s been like the old job interview question ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?'” Bassist Quinn jumps in; “But it’s been more dodgems than a rollercoaster, I would say,” “Eggs not omelettes!” snaps guitarist Carson. Formed in Wolverhampton by three strangers who kept meeting at gigs, the original incarnation of MC16 didn’t last, with Carson upping sticks for London after being burgled for the third time. Over time and distance, the band reformed, and this is the line-up that has lasted.
‘Machine Code‘ was recorded with Dave Draper (The Wildhearts, The Professionals, Kerbdog) at the Old Cider Press Studios in the wilds of Worcestershire. “The Beatles used LSD to help fuel the album creation process but we were on a budget so used the local scrumpy cider” points out Carson.
The album delves into many areas of modern life’s standards and morals but it’s definitely not just one big rant: “Our lyrics are more a thought process,” explains Carson, “unpacking the issues of what the song is about as we think through them, so it’s quite spontaneous and live. But sadly our brains don’t work quick enough to freestyle like the brilliant rappers do!”
Anti-war song ‘Shoot ‘Em Up‘ looks at the horror of modern warfare. Why are world leaders immune from seeing babies being bombed? The band’s strong message is backed up by equally strident music, dropping into reggae in the break.
Punk banger ‘One From Another‘ highlights the way the law isn’t being applied equally, with the rich and powerful staying outside it, while the poor are hit with its full force!
‘Ground Control‘ takes a similar approach, looking at media and political manipulation by the rich. Howling guitar and thrashing drums are punctuated by biting vocals!
A song The Clash could’ve written, ‘Can’t Get No Fun‘ turns the spotlight on the shenanigans in our neighbourhoods and the hypocrisy of some of those who surround us..
“We could have been weirder” say the band in ‘OHternative‘, examining the monotony of mainstream culture. I particularly like the line “Hate seeing support bands being booed”. More cracking guitar and drums in this one!
Data paranoia is the subject of ‘Data Donors‘ – we don’t know what’s being harvested and who is looking at our information, especially after the constant data leaks which seem to plague the system.. Heartfelt and heavy.
Mixing reggae with punk again, ‘Tourist‘ wonders why Brits still make no effort to learn the language of the countries they visit? And why package holidays are all about drinking and late night entertainment?
Were Polytechnics really that bad? You could get a good degree followed by a job from a ‘Polytechnic‘ – now it’s Mickey Mouse degrees that get you nowhere, or AI making mistakes that people don’t seem to spot.. Another Clash-esque number.
‘Bricks And Martyrs‘ is a tirade against the bad things which have evolved in our so-called developed world. Chugging guitars and excellent percussion underpin the track.
‘Workers 40‘ was written about the 40th Anniversary of the Miners’ Strike. “In 1984 we were ruled by a dictator, Coal not dole, Coal not dole, She fooled the couch potatoes.” A powerful rocking song written by people who remember what it was like at the time. Up the workers!
There’s a hidden track at the end of the record – make sure you don’t hit the stop button too soon!
MC16 are as close to a modern day Clash as I’ve heard – saying it straight, taking no prisoners, and with excellent musicianship to back up their words. These guys are living and breathing punk!
Out on 14th February via Neverlution Records, ‘Machine Code‘ is available on CD and Download from HERE
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: WILL HUTCHINSON
- Shoot ‘Em Up
- One From Another
- Ground Control
- Can’t Get No Fun
- OHternative
- Data Donors
- Tourist
- Polytechnic
- Bricks And Martyrs
- Workers 40
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