Booze & Glory "Trouble Free" Review

Booze 'n' Glory "Trouble Free" 84 Records/Step-1

"Let me show you our passion/Football, Reggae, and Skinhead Fashion;
Having a Laugh and drink booze every night.
Hated by every Nation/We are the new Skinhead Generation;
we do our best to waste our fucking lives?"

while the subject matter is of the expected crop (pun intended), lyrics are smarter and more in depth than their cliched brethren. A strong presence in the production and delivery, plus catchy song writing ensure this will be on the player in the pub. Grab a pint and belly up. Hoist that glass up and sing a long.

Booze and Glory are not afraid to throw in a melody or an acoustic track (layered in with the regulars) to add a melancholy, solemn feel to their tunes. While the normal subject matter is visited that we see in all skinhead music, it's nice to see a proper perspective or edge to it. and here we have the somber tone associated with a impulsive, self-destructive life style. It's all we know, but some introspection is welcome. and the tonality of the music should reflect that objectivity (even, maturity?).

This is such a strong release. It grows with each listen. BnG have an infectious lo-fi rumble to them. They pride themselves on writing a poignant sing-a-long; and well, that's what skinhead music should be. Somfin new, but somfin for the crew.

i love each song. none really are too repetitive. They each have a unique twist. Nothing in the style is too redundant, but:
Standout Tracks: Always Left Behind, Cyber Warrior, Never Returned, Hooligan, Weekend in Kalskrona, Alex Go.

While bands like Argy Bargy and Eastside Boys can get heavier a la C-84 and Retaliate, Booze and Glory have a more subdued sound. It doesn't run under the generic "streetpunk" banner, this is still a pounding European Oi lp.
FFO: Evil Conduct, On File, Roots and Boots, The Bloodline. Niblick Henbane.

Buy It at Step-1
Buy It at Rebellion
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Stomper 98 - 45 Adapters Split 7" Review

Stomper 98 - 45 Adapters Split 7" Randale Records

Whew! after two 7" releases last year - 45 Adapters continue full steam ahead with their lo-fi rough and tumbling Hooligan Rock stomp by pairing up with those Boot Boy veterans, Stomper 98. Four quick tunes to tickle your ears and move your Doc's! 45A get a step up in the production sound, cleaner and fuller - but do not think that this will detract from their garage fueled harsh stomp of their beloved sound.

S-98:
1. "Anti-Social" - Tough European Oi the way it was meant to be played. A heavier guitar thani expected, balanced with a sax in the chorus. A gritty pounding with "Anti Social" being shouted,(no, not that one...) Great Production. Ultimo Asalto, Get Out, Loikamie.

2. "ISP: One Crew, One Family" - The opening sounds just Like "Yesterday's Heroes". This has a lighter feel, but it is still gripping. The sax goes well with the bouncy sturdy beat. A rocking tune.

45-A:
3. "What's Right" - a great sample helps kick in this rocker - with the opening chord reminiscent of early AC/DC; into a harsh, driving jangly rocker. Guitar driven declaration of rebellion for these skins that continue to amaze me. Big nods to Terminus City and Templars with a punch of powerful production

4. "Nothing to Prove" - A cool, soulful romp is next; still fast and rough. it has a catchy-ass electric groove to the bridge and chorus. i wanna point to bands like The Bishops, Easybeats, and The Jam; but really this has a huge 70's rock vibe (Thin Lizzy, Bad Company etc) which i keep fighting from liking. i am hanging tough, but, hey, it's all the blues right? Great song.

Support Randale Records and their ability to put out great bands like this!

The 98!
45 Adapters