Parka – Attack Of The Hundred Yard Hardman

• 14th May 2008

Parka have packed twelve pulsating tracks onto their debut album ‘Attack of the Hundred Yard Hardmen’

This collection of blood pumping songs begins with ‘Bosses and Bastards’, an indie/dance crossover song with a kick-ass beat and great rhythm section. Following on is ‘Disco Dancer’, a great up-tempo song to fill the gap now that The Dead 60’s have parted. ‘Mr. Optimistic’ offers that vibe that is sure to get the crowd going, a feel-good tune, quite reminiscent of Reverend and the Makers.

Each and every track is different but doesn’t venture too far from the Parka sound. There is an obvious ska vibe running through the whole album taking us back to the Clash era.

The only hang up on the album is ‘I don’t Wanna Fight You Tonight’. It is supposed to be a joke or what?! It has all the elements of a song on the same play list as Chesney Hawkes, suitable for Friday night cheese. It doesn’t deserve a place on this album, or is it some Glaswegian rock anthem that I just don’t get?

Ignoring that track, the rest of the album is a hoot. About time somebody took indie to the next level. We all love guitar music, but we all love someone who dares to be different.