Words by Johnny, images from Band media
UK Dissent based in Sunderland, Mick guitar, vocals, Chris M bass, Chris B drums. Formed in 2021 described by one reviewer as melodic street punk which fits the bill. Influenced by original punk 77 The Clash, The Jam, The Sex Pistols, The Damned. Chris M is a massive Ramones fan to New Model Army to Leatherface and most things in-between. The lads started writing songs while locked down and are a reflection of the times we live in and mistrust in people running the country. The band is gigging more frequently having played with Red Alert, Theatre of Hate, Spear of Destiny amongst others and have supported Newtown Neurotics in Middlesbrough and old friends the Proles. The lads are looking further afield for gigs in 2024/5, they have played London and Manchester and are now playing regularly around the country. Next gig is at Punk and Disorderly in Lancaster on Saturday 24th August
This is my 2nd review of UK Dissent for their second album, after the self-titled album a couple of years ago. Mick has kindly asked me oblige with this one. The band are rapidly becoming a well-known outfit on the punk scene, and have been welcomed with open arms by both the punters and other bands.
Crash: The need for speed and that all elusive adrenaline rush. Being a biker, I totally get this one, although the last bit about crashing, not so much. Too often we live our lives at such a pace in the world, we often forget to slow down a tad and take things easy, before we “crash and burn”. This has an almost rock n roll feel to it with Motorhead sounding lead guitar taking over from bass. Obvious high tempo drum work
Disgrace: Constantly being told that we are the problem in society, seems to many that we are sick and tired of being told what we should do and say, with our so-called authoritarian “leaders” making the rules. When we protest, we are labelled as being disruptive, perhaps it’s about time some rules were changed. Sometimes, they are the “disgrace”. Good ol foot tapping guitar work, complimented seamlessly with drums.
Life is Tougher Now: I get the impression this track is a bit of a piss take on the youth of today, feeling that life is tougher now, when almost every is done for us, parents to do this that and the other. 500 channels of shit on the tv to choose from. About time some of us on this throw away planet get up and do something with their lives. Life for some is easy, for the few, it is tough.
Pressure’s coming Down: Sweet guitar intro, carrying on throughout the track, with a vague prog rock sound from the 70’s resonating in the background leads us into the pressures of life that many feel in this uncertain life today. Recession, lack of jobs, high cost of living taking its toll on those less fortunate than others. “innocent people, broken lives”
The Real Divide: Heavier less twangy guitar with a slower downbeat sets us off with a snippet of almost gothy 80’s bass sound. The source of power of those who close their eyes. Classic interpretation of the meek being manipulated by the wealthy and powerful
Life doesn’t Happen like it does in the Movies: Clever opening lyrics, standing on the roundabout of life, a life getting more and more complicated, as you step on the ground and hear a click. Life is minefield, one wrong turn, one bad decision can end it all, as we have all seen or experienced in life. As the title suggests, life isn’t what it’s like in the movies, again, I would suggest media and social manipulation of the masses give us a false sense of what life is and how we would should live it.
That’s what I like about You: Good ol 70’s punk sound guitar chords smash toward the early days of our lives; how different people take different roads in life. From the materialistic person, “who has everything, yet still has nothing”, to those who still do now, what we did back then, this kinda resonates with me, not sitting at home as bloke in his latter years, but still goes to the gigs, still does stupid things. As for those who stagnate as time goes on, “that’s what I like about you………………. nothing “.
Can’t Stand Living for Loving You: Musically, a quirky tune, opening with deep n heavy bass in the background, with foot stomping drum work. And then pops along a ska/reggae subtle back beat (and some cow bell thrown in for good measure) Nice. Often, we can’t help loving someone that sometimes maybe we shouldn’t for many different reasons. To the writer of this track, personal experience, methinks so!
Easy Target: Well, here’s a musical style ive yet to hear on this album so far, setting of with some rockabilly drum and guitar work, takes us into the world of being an individual, not conforming to others perception of normality. Alternative lifestyles most definitely including the punk scene. Remining resolute in being what we are, little bit of that, a little bit of other. “I don’t wanna be like you”. Love it.
Gotta get Medication: High note guitar work, reminiscent of Interpol, intro with more deep bass and blistering drum work. This medicated race that we have become. More and more, day after day we see the increased use of meds to get us through the day. Companies making millions off the needy, and more often than not, the less needy, who don’t actually need drugs to live a normal life. It almost feels at times, like it’s a fad to be on meds, like it is unusual not to be popping pills
A great album from a band with a distinctive vocalist, who it appears at times to be more of spoken poet than a singer, with his aggressive raised voice vocals. Instrumentally spot on, with wide ranging styles intermixed with one another to give a pretty unique noise. It will be interesting to see the lads play live. cheers again for the opportunity to review more good music.
Album photo by Paul Ginger Storey
Album design by Tyler Barker
Recorded and mastered by Phil Jackson at Bunker in Sunderland
Links:
Email: chris.marner64@outlook.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukdissent