Album Review

Itch – Manifesto Pt. 2: We’re All In The Gutter EP

• 5th Mar 2013

This EP from Itch, (aka Johnny Fox) the former frontman of now defunct ska/ punk band King Blues, is being made available as a digital download. It was initially distributed free to fans through selected independent record stores on limited edition hand painted flash drives.

The four tracks feature angry, politically inspired lyrics and a mix of punk and hip hop music with a bit of dub step mixed in there too. It’s passionate and very experimental but probably won’t be to everyone’s taste.

Diplomat opens with a punk style riff as Itch’s rap comes in. The beat is solid and the lyrics defiant as he rails against the British political system. Think street poet meets post punk band with a bit of synth thrown in and you’ll be close. “I am not a diplomat, I am a human. I won’t lay down for your amusement,” protests Itch in the strident chorus. Gutter Stars has a similar feel but with a heavier beat and a faster vocal delivery. The background features a crunching guitar sound that wouldn’t be out of place on many rock tracks.

Soul has more of a dance feel and a very catchy chorus. What could be some sort of siren howls menacingly in the background and the intensity is only broken by a soft acoustic passage that offers brief respite before the big finish. Like I’m Drugs sees the addition of a second, female, vocal in addition to Itch’s fast lead. The contrast works well and takes the song close to pop territory as the electronic melody flows nicely.

Musically the overall effect of the four tracks is a mixed bag. In places it seems very muddy with too much going on, yet in others it provides a strong backing for the vocals. And I think the lyrics are the most important part of Itch’s music in any case.

Itch has a solo album coming out over the next few months. This EP, and also Part 1 of Manifesto, can be downloaded from Itch’s website, [link]

Venue: Manifesto Pt. 2: We’re All In The Gutter EP
Support Band: download