Words by Johnny, images from social media and band.
I don’t really think there is much to say about HLH that I haven’t written before, the vast majority of you who are in the scene will already have some if not a lot of knowledge about this somewhat unique band. Musically very good, lyrically erm……. No holds barred, funny, clever, to the point, honest and written without fear of authority.
This is HLH’s nth album, with all the usual mechanics that you would expect from the lads, so here we go………………. Welcome to the Future. Incidentally, if ya haven’t seen these live, do it. You will go home with a smile on your faces!
Welcome to the Future
A little instrumental piece to get the blood flowing
The Great Divide
Understatement of the year, the typical large businesses and companies who use the little people to make vast amounts of money, leaving the working man behind. The working man being paid a pittance in relation to the massive profits these companies are raking in. And therein lies the division of class and wealth.
Feral Beryl
The joys of taking drugs. More so the ladies of the night! standing on the street corner, bonged off her wotsits, “needles hanging off her arms” “sniffing coke” in a world of her own. If this isn’t an advert to stay away from gear, I don’t know what is. Brilliant poetic licence here lyrically with a tempo to match. Oh, and I reckon this will and HLH anthem in the not-so-distant future, funny catchy tune with great lyrics.
This is Existence
The age-old misery (especially in this country) of living to work and not being able to enjoy ya latter years. A tad topical you might say what with the winter fuel allowance being cut and the ever-increasing pension age, goal posts being moved in all aspects of how we live and work. I totally get this track, so many people merely existing, working all hours to achieve a fraction of what people put in.
Forgotten Zero
Being ex forces, this is a hard-hitting tune and is very close to home. I have seen so many forces vets being thrown on the scrap heap of life, once a hero, now forgotten. Forgotten by the powers that be. Living in abject squalor, if indeed they manage to get a place to live, let alone sleeping rough on the streets. A national disgrace. Cheers for this song. It means a lot to me and many others.
Man Destroys
Crikey crumbs, a song straight out of Green Peace. Joking aside, lyrics stating how man is destroying the life out of the planet, the regular news reports of animals becoming extinct purely down to mans greed and ever narcissistic take on power, not caring about the animals we share our lives with.
Back in the Day
This one made me smile. The song directly narrates what I say to my kids, and probably what my parents said to me as a child. Back in the day indeed, so much simpler, not having a fraction of what we have today. Mobile phones, computers, and in many instances a tv. This song to me, outlines the ease at which it is to get “things” and the dependence we have and so used to in having “things”. Try telling that to the youth of today. Good luck!!
I’ll Sleep when I’m Dead
Love this, and is true to the vast majority I know in this punk scene of ours. Ive lost count of how many times ive the conversation whereby certain age groups in society just seem to curl up and vegetate when they reach “that” age. Certainly, true for me, and should I think be true many more who have the ethos of “I’m too old for those bollocks”. Well guess what, ya not. Also, I might add, SUPPORT YA LOCAL MUSIC. Be told.
Cry Wolf
Weve all had those days. Ya just can’t be arsed with anything and wanna stay in bed, telling ya mates ya not well. I guess we all need, at some point, some down time away from the all crap that we deal with on a daily basis. Nowt wrong with that people.
Wank Mags in Bushes
PMSL, I do believe I remember these days……. perhaps. searching the usual haunts for the latest issue of “Razzle”, so Ive told. I bet many of you are listening to this one with a memorable smile on ya face!
One for All
The idealistic concept of “all for one, and one for all”. If only that could be achieved, I spose theres no harm in trying, lets start with the Punks n Skins. I think it fair to say that this amazing scene of ours could set an example to all the outsiders. Just a thought.
Flat Pack Furniture
Hands up those who haven’t been here. Not many I see. The pain in the arse flat pack furniture. Crap instructions, hours to complete, sore backs and major frustration. Ending up with a pile of the proverbial not looking anything like the photo on the box. Yup, been there.
Mary Fritz
Bloody hell Al, going a bit soft in ya dotage, clever lyrics when ya listen, things aren’t always what you expect they are about to see. Made me laugh.
Parking Fine
A topical theme these days. People getting ripped off by over zealous parking companies extorting money from us for being a few minutes over. Seeing this more and more these days. Notwithstanding the money involved, but in some cases, no form of redress against the companies.
Council Cowboys
POT HOLES. The bane of every motorist in the UK. Nuff said!
Working in the Morgue
Unless you’ve seen the words to this or listened to it for the first time, ya in for a treat for the final lines. Funny as ***. But I’d suggest it could potentially apply to some of you, or at least the sentiment. Enjoy.
Well, there ya go. Another classic Hanratty album, everything you would expect and more. If I were to compare this to the last album, I’d say this is more flowing with slightly catchier tunes and lyrics. Either way, it’s a belter. As I said earlier, Feral Beryl will become one of the all time classic HLH tracks. Great fun, but at the same time, a serious, in some respects, outlook on the world we live in today.
HLH thanks Mirielle, Jess, Abi, Izzy, Jas and Steve at Solid Entertainments. Jared and Simon at Electric Bear Recording Studios. Simon Web for the cover design. Music-Allsop, Vardy, Barsby, Coterill, Payne. Words-Allsop
For all bookings, please contact Solid Entertainment on 01472 234 9222
Hung Like Hanratty are
Al Sation-vocal
Rick Ettes-guitar
Tez Tickle-bass
Ash Tray-lead guitar
Vardy-drums
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HungLikeHanratty
Big Cartel: https://hunglikehanrattyofficial.bigcartel.com
Email: hunglikehanratty@hotmail.co.uk