Words: Johnny Reay, Images: Band Media
Slightly different line from last review where Carl and Tony left for personal reasons, with Dale and Martin stepping up to the plate for this live ep. Recorded live at The Fox and the Newt in Leeds back in October of this year. The ep is as the gig happened, recorded over the desk unit in the pub, not that you would know. Sound engineer is James Mazur, mixed and mastered by Dale Farrow at Danthorpe Media and produced by Swan Records. Promotion by Alan Walton & 01977 Punk Club who also recorded it. Pressed by Paul Kelly at Punk Domain.
I Hate Living in a Place Like This
More often than not, as with we can’t choose our family, we can’t choose where we live. Financial restraints aside, we seem to be in a place, not always physically, but mentally too, that we don’t want to be. Is it the type of people we are, the music we listen to, the people we surround ourselves with. The never-ending quest to be happy and content with our lives. This track seems to have a double meaning, it’s easy to see the lyrics also making mention of the punk culture, whereby we are seen as the “problem, the disease”. A catchy tune, easy to sing along to.
Pissing me Off
A tribute to Sophie, simply written with straight to the point lyrics pointing out the labels that society gives, us without the foresight to understand the situation. So often we see labels and names put to people without knowing the why’s where’s of that individual’s own circumstances. Its too easy to make nonsensical judgements just because someone is different.
The Don’t Pay Support Bands
A dig at certain venues and promoters who treat “support bands” with disdain. I don’t like the term “support bands” per se. In my opinion a line up is there to support each other, especially in alternative music scenes, including those in the punk world. But the term is used in the right context most of the time. We have all seen the scenario where a band turns up, and is not paid in money, but if the odd free pint here and there, then the venue asks for a cut of the merch takings. Is it any wonder that bands get disillusioned by the whole thing. Look after each other and allow the scene to thrive, whatever ya musical slant is. Interesting line, where bands are “allowed to bring 20 friends”, who generally don’t pay to get in, thereby causing all to lose out. For the most part, it’s a fiver or thereabouts. Really, just pay up.
A Swan can break your Arm (don’t ya know)
A song highlighting the wolf in sheep’s clothing analogy. The times in our lives where we are sucked in by the outwardly good in people that we believe to be true and honest, only to be let down massively, seeing that person for what they really are. Some might say that could apply to governments, crikey, did I just say that!!
It’s Untrue
The pressures of modern-day life often leave some living in their own bubble of lonely existence. Staying away from the outside world where the pace of life affects their own sanity and mental health, becoming that reclusive individual where the only company you keep is your own. A sad reflection on today’s society where the system is failing so many people.
55
Ahhhhh a song that fits perfectly in to my world. It’s a strange concept growing old, or should I say “growing older”, where people of a certain age just seem to give and modern-day vegetate. The punk scene is a testament to those of us who are still doing what did 40 50 years ago. Getting out there, going to gigs, festivals and so on. When I look around the place at whatever venue it is, it’s always a joy to see many of my age making the effort to stay alive both physically, mentally and musically, albeit a tad slower and more……………………. portly in many cases. As they say, it’s all paid for lad!!
I Wish I was French
A personal song to the writer, outlining the difference between two countries where historically there seems to be adversity. I guess when we take time look at things, we find pros and con’s where once we just ignored a culture for what seems like the sake of it. Would be nice if more people took time out to look and listen
Everyone’s on Drugs
The everyday scourge of drugs, be it recreational or prescribed meds. We all have our own ideas and opinions as to why people take drugs, more often than not it’s a negative conclusion without knowing the reasons behind it. As in “I wish I was French” it might be a good idea to find out why and to listen and not overly judge a situation we have little or no knowledge of.
Leave me Alone
Domestic violence, something close to my heart when I worked alongside the NHS for many years. Seeing first hand the destructive nature of not only the physical destructive results of domestic violence, but more and more so these days controlling and coercive behaviour toward vulnerable and weak partners, incidentally, this applies to either gender(s). In many cases, a woman will go from one abusive relationship to another, its as if they are attracted to that type of person for reasons unknown to me, and so the cycle starts. The % of people that do this is remarkably high, where to the female, it becomes the norm, using reasons like “he only slapped me once” or “he’s a kind man and loves me”. Its such a sad situation to see and clearly more importantly, to be in. People who do this to their partners is something I will never understand. This is an important song to those in those situations, who I hope will take note, and realise, that life is better without that toxicity in their lives.
This was a different review for me, as the ep was recorded live, “warts n all”, listening to the banter and the crowd in the background, not overly produced, mixed etc, it gives a raw edge to the sound, which is what I feel diy music is all about, at least in part. Too often, when bands release albums, that rawness is filtered out, personally, I think more bands should do this.
And there ya have it, a jolly good live ep from an up-and-coming band The Puncturists. Can’t wait to see them next year. Oh, one more thing on a personal note, Gail has uncanny vocal resemblant to Rez from The Duel.
Check out the band’s social media pages for upcoming gigs etc and give em a “like”.
The Band:
Gail Townsend – main vocals
Pat Crawford – guitar
Dale Farrow – bass
Martin Gregory – drums
Links:
Web: https://deadswanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-punk-tourists
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepuncturists