Words by Johnny, images by Johnny and from band website.
Eastfield, just where do you start with this band. I challenge anyone in the punk scene to say they have not seen these, or at the very least, heard if them. Wherever ya go, be it in UK or around the world, the chances are you will have seen the famous (or is that infamous) British Rail t-shirt which is their logo. I first saw these about 18 years ago, Jessi, Trina , Bambi and whoever (sorry) was playing drums at the time. Can’t recall where, but that doesn’t matter. The first thing you notice straight away are the smiles on each of their faces. Jessi often starts each set and preceding song with a very brief prose on what the next track is about (not to mention the £30 guitar from Woolworths, tho I suggest that bit of kit may have been retired by now) Immediately youre drawn in to what is about to come.
Instant wall of noise, headbanging drum work, blistering bass throughout each and every song. Trina on backing vocals with her inimitable stage presence, looking out at the crowd making sure theyre having fun with a scowling look (in the nicest possible way I might add). Then we have Jessi, a truly distinctive voice outlining the quirky details of life, so easily heard in the lyrics, and of course his 30 quid Wooly’s guitar which is played at a searing pace to match the speed of his vocals.
Whatever your thoughts of this band, you will not meet a nicer more genuine bunch of people. Honesty and integrity are the driving force of the outfit, never shying away from the vagaries of life, be in a serious or piss taking satirical way. The lyrics more often than not speak for themselves without the need for interpretation, tho I will say, we all have our own personal take on lyrics, which is a good thing, especially with this album, where the writer very cleverly uses words and phrases in an intelligent and thought-provoking way.
The phrase DIY is often over used these days, that is not the case with Eastfield, everything is done by the band, from organising the pressing, the making of t-shirts, fliers and anything else you can think of. The reason for this is simple, to keep costs down to you the punters. They don’t make a living by any stretch of the imagination from sales, and the small profit margin that is made, is ploughed straight back into their music.
Trina approached me a couple of weeks ago, asking me to review this album. The reply was an obvious resounding yes, a privilege indeed. So here we go, the new album Terminus from Eastfield.
End of Days
The joys of being on the road with mates to help out with the every day aspects of being in a band. This is a cryptic to say the least, account of the van breaking down and dealing with the aftermath. A line in this tune sums up perfectly how we treat others, and to have the heart to accept people for who they are, cleverly inserted into the song’s wording. “here’s a church, climb the steeple, open your mind and accept the people”. We meet all different types of people in our lives, some we get along with, some we don’t. everyone has their own issues to deal with, and may come across as being not so good. Often, it’s a virtue to see through the façade and see that person for who they are and what they have been through in their lives. Or maybe they have just a had a bad day.
45 Minutes
This track can be interpreted in a number of ways. To me, it translates to the more often than not length of an album, 45 minutes. Buying that album of ya favourite artist/band, listening intently and being taken to another place, ignoring all that is a round to feel what the singer is saying. When all around is turning to S***, we can immerse ourselves into the music.
Railyard Blues
The eternal need to travel and learn from others. The feeling you get when you reach your destination, but feel the pull of the actual act of travelling part of the journey. “expand your mind, get back on the load nine, get up on the stepboard, get back on the groove”. Conversely, on arrival, the need to get back home to reality. Either way, the human thought process that keeps us going, with the need to move about and see the world and experience life, and not sit and vegetate.
Paper Houses
Bit of a catch 22 track here. The idea of materialistic wealth can be a demon in all of us. Not knowing when to stop the “greedy grabbing” human trait that many possess. “tides are turning” “moneys too loose to mention”. In this so-called modern society where almost, everything is readily available to those who basically can’t afford it. This in itself brings too many issues to our lives. “taking the money feels far less dirty than getting into bed with the new regime”. Never a truer word said in jest.
Second to Last
Lyrically, this is one of those tracks where the listener can make his/her own mind up. Reading between the lines is a must here to grab the sentiment of the song’s story. Cleverly written like a secret code!
Paint it Red
A song of vastly opposite values in life. A mixture of mirth, humour, sadness and anger. The idea of going out on a sab to a hunt, and finding yourself in a field of paintballers. A funny song on the outside with darker between the lines sentiment of cruelty, psychotic behavioural, self-obsessed morons.
End of Daze
A repat of the first track!
As stated above, Eastfield lyrics can be cryptic at most, frustrating at times. Yet as a listener, we hear different things and analyse phrasing in a multitude of varying ways. Cleverly written, with a sense of confusion and mind playing tactics. You may not agree, but there ya go. Well worth a listen as always with Eastfield, never “boring” always entertaining.
Eastfield are (in this instance)
Jessi on lead guitar and vocals
Trina backup vocals
Bambi on bass and a bit of vocals
Bill on drums
Songs written by Jessi Adams, recorded by Trys O’Connell at Inferno Class Recording and Pirate Studios, Earlsfield. Later mixed and mastered by Trys in Battersea.
Links:
Email: vodkapunk@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.eastfieldrailpunk.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063697261094
Bandcamp: https://backfromthedead.bandcamp.com/album/eastfield-houmous