Album Review

TNS Records; Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man, Buzzkill etc – 20 Tracks of UK Punk and Ska

• 20th Mar 2008

Critics were and still are very quick to point out that the downfall of Punk in the late 70’s was down to its parochial nature and that after causing a shock and a stir it wasn’t going anywhere. Well, the status quo hogging doomsayers forgot one fact; one hundred and ninety nine years ago in Shrewsbury, a woman gave birth to a man named Charles Darwin. He devised his theory about how species adapt and evolve in order to survive and get stronger. Unseen by the mainstream huggers the mutant musical species that is punk, has been expanding and evolving with independence, gusto and variety.

Rightfully, kicking off this fresh and blistering compilation is the psychobilly and dingy rock merging evergreen Northern Irish troupe, The Dangerfields with ‘Midnight Scene’. A noire narrative for an introduction provides a stark contrast to the shuddering percussion and lofty screech of founder member, Andrew Griswold. It serves as a call to arms to the workers and achieves a similar impact to that which the Dropkick Murphys attained, when dabbling in the same subject matter.

The blistering baton is handed over to the band who also run the label responsible for this collection; ‘Revenge of the Psychotronic Man’. They instil a Dead Kennedys kick through ‘Get Pissed, Talk Shit, Dance Like An Idiot’.

As the 20 track stomp unfolds, all the scenery associated with punk is visited and vandalised. From the racing ska mingling with garage rock slant of Buzzkill, in the form of the brooding ‘Broken Picture’, through to the low-key folk sliding leanings of Just Panic, ‘Crime’. That uses an endearing Billy Bragg climb up to the slashing chorus, striking out at the injustices caused by those who obey orders. The furthest point on the ska axis is found in ‘Curriculum Vitae’, by Harjan.

Those who hope and pray that the raw, ripping, rhythmic and attitude gushing approach of Sham 69 has not been ignored by contemporary troupes, will embrace Faintest Idea’s offering, ‘See You In The Gutter’.

Wigan’s rockabilly rooted, The Hyperjax provide a freewheeling lighter touch ‘English Country Garden’, demonstrating why they are first on many venue’s list when it comes to hiring a band needed to provide energy, spirit and sincerity. TNS Records continues to fly the flag for punk and ska in the UK. They do so showing a community spirit and an endearing DIY ethic.

TNSRECORDS@HOTMAIL.CO.UK