Photo’s and words by Johnny, Images Band Media
First off, this is somewhat different to my usual reviews. As you may be aware, Stevo (Stephen Williams) drummer with Vomit, sadly passed away in February. I asked Lee if he wanted me to make this a tribute to Stevo, which he replied yes. Lee sent me a comprehensive bio of Stevo, so I will use that as a basis for this review. Lee met Stevo when he was 13, having moved to Congleton from Stafford. Stevo found it difficult to settle at first, mainly due to his age. However, they soon became good friends, same outlook on life, same musical tastes, and I suspect same sense of humour. A friendship that would last for many decades, not only as mates, but also band mates. As youngsters, their angst against all things bad in society gave them the idea to for a band Vomit, as Lee would say, the name seemed appropriate for “working class kids with a lot to say”. They played a few gigs, mostly local youth centres and their first pub gig in The Duke of Wellington. Apparently, someone painted “Vomit” on the toilets, getting into trouble for it, they then had to clean it off!
After a short-lived ride in the scene, the band split, with Stevo playing in various bands over time. Bumping into each on occasion, Lee met up with Stevo in a pub in 2010, after a long chat, they decided to get the band back together again (hmmm Blues Brothers reference there somewhere) for one gig. With Marshall and Huffty, they were back. This gig was played at The Wharf Pub in Congleton. This was the start (again) of what was to become a long and successful venture for the band, playing 1000’s of gigs since, with the occasional line up change, but always Stevo and Lee in the band. The friendship grew in only what could be described as 2 brothers loving life and music together. As time progressed and the gigs started to mount, getting their name in the scene, the boys supported and played alongside bands such as SATD, UK Subs, The Skids, SLF and Toy Dolls to name a few.
All those gigs, festivals, mini fests have cemented the band into the punk rock scene, a scene that Stevo loved dearly with all his heart, alongside his mates and especially Lee. I can only imagine the loss that the band and Lee felt when Stevo passed away, heart wrenching, yet a privilege and honour to have known such a man, a man with vision, talent, loyalty and humour. Stevo will not only be missed by those close to him, but also the wider punk family. This was clear to see with the tributes paid to him on social media and also many gigs by not only Vomit, but other bands who voiced their sadness in their loss.
This album was Stevo’s last recording with the band, thank you for your legacy.
Rest in Peace Stevo, and as Lee has said “see you on the other side”.
Hooligans Holiday: A subtle play on words, outlining the excuses made for war. Is it a worthy cause in order to make gain from the loss of life. Peacekeeper or killer behind smoke and mirrors. Classic example of the gulf war where oil appeared to be the main influence.
Snowflake Nation: Ha, if ever there was a song to outline the pussy state we live in, its this. There is a massive difference to being good to one another and kowtowing to pathetic people who are offended because they want to be offended, it seems like these days we can’t speak our mind without one group of people or another making an issue out of what is predominantly an opinion. What actually happened to free speech!
Sleep: I’d, suggest we have all met one. The local “legend” smack head. Using people for the own gains. Take and run away, without a thought for anyone else. I have to say tho, this can apply to all sorts of people, drugs aside. Even tho we allow these people into our lives, to be taken advantage of, we still persevere and live in hope that one day they might change, more often than not, unsuccessfully.
Plastic Gangster: The violent society in which we live is full of those who think they are something theyre not. The use of violence and fear in order to gain notoriety, respect and power through fear. When in fact they are the ones looking over their shoulder and “running away from the boys in blue”
Crash and Burn: The feeling of desolation, being stuck in a rut and needing to make big important changes in ya life. “got to get out, got to leave, all you have to do is believe”. Making that big step to improve ya life and your own self being before you “crash and burn”.
Burn it Down: The materialistic, consumer driven society in which we live, the online social media entity that we have become. Is it time for change, bring in the dystopian age and start again from the beginning, and feel that realisation that our lives are being lived in a bubble where free expression, human aptitudes and kindness are being left behind at a frightening rate.
Solitary Girl: The forgotten and invisible ones. People who don’t exist in our world, but who are there in the shadows, waiting to be seen, waiting to be heard. We know them, and we ignore them.
It’s the New Way: A kinda parody on how the world changed after covid. But did it, things carry on the same in many ways. “wearing a mask has become the norm”. not only referring to covid rules, but masks of our own selves, where we hide from the truth of what is going around us. The power-hungry politicians, the fat cat business people. Hiding from reality behind their masks.
Kick Down the Door: Its 2024, and we still have people living on the streets. Political reverie from all sides stating how sad it is to see, yet nothing changes. Promises. Promises. Lies more like. The vulgar amounts of money and wealth coveted by many looking down on the sleeping bags and detritus of society with a wry smirk on their fat bloated faces.
Selling Sins: A cryptic track in many ways. For me, and my views on religion, a simple interpretation. I’ll let you make ya own minds up, for me this is quite a personal tune, one which I can very easily relate to.
Crash Test Dummy: The child who is denigrated by society, forgotten and thrown aside. The child who becomes that “accident waiting to happen”. The child who becomes what society ridicules and that allows it to happen. “a crash test dummy for the real world”
This is an album containing many influences, musically, lyrically and vocally. Clash, The Damned and I could even hear some Cars riffs, or is that just me. Lee’s vocals at times, take me back to early Dave Vanian, then to Joe Strummer. Guitar playing is consistent throughout, with many tracks having that subtle reggae ska riff which we have become accustom to in many punk bands. What stands out for me is the constant of the vocals, as soon as you put the needle on the record, ya know what gonna get. A singer of decades experience, honing his vocal talent to express the song as a whole and to get his message across. Another top album from Vomit, it has to be said. I often under appreciate bands who have been around for an age, especially where the song writing ideas comes from. I guess for the writer, it’s a simple (at times) thing to do, but still, not sure I could do it.
So, there ya go, a different one from me, and an honour and privilege to write on behalf of Lee and the lads to say farewell to Stevo, and the musical legacy he has left behind.
Produced by Dan Rowley and Vomit
Mixed by Dan Rowley and Vomit
Album recorded at Tremolo Recording Studio, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire
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Email: Carjason@gmail.com