Words and images by Johnny
December last year I was approached by Pat from The Puncturists to review their album, this was their first full album as a band and became quite successful it has to be said, and well known, in quite a short period of time. This time around, I have been asked to review these 2 songs from their forthcoming album, which will be released in mid-November 2025.
Having not seen the band when the first reviews were written, it was at Mayhem at Micks mini fest earlier this year, that I had the pleasure of seeing first hand what they were all about. One of the standout points of the band, was their obvious joy and fun they had playing on stage, Gail on vocals running around, throwing out a few props for the punters, had a never-ending smile on her face, clearly enjoying every second of every minute. Its not often ya see this in bands, ive seen many bands over the years as have you all, and on occasion ya see a bunch on stage, standing still, long faces, as if theyre just going through the routine. Most definitely not in this case.
“55”
Why do I bring this up, simple, the first song “55” is all about doing what you wanna do, what you feel is right, the passion and love for finding something new to do in your later years. Gail is that person, when she announced to friends and others she wanted to sing in a punk band, bearing in mind she had never done anything of the sort before, some scoffed at her, stating things such as, “youre too old” etc. I get the impression this spurred her on even more. Once they had got the rehearsals down, the album pressed and released, it was blatantly obvious to all, and more importantly to Gail, that she had made the right decision. That smile says it all, not only for herself, but the effect it has on the crowd.
The lyrics are simple, it tells hows there is nothing stopping any of from doing what we want, or indeed need to do in our lives, especially where age comes into it. And in my opinion, the single most important message, is that you listen to your own mind and heart, and not that of others. The sound that this band makes, is easily representative of the early punk scene in the 70’s, an almost naïve, non-aggressive telling off of the masses to get up off their backsides and do something with their lives, an aim which has been reached by Gail. The video, some might say is crudely made, but lends itself to the ethos of the punk vibe, a nice touch I thought.
A single line from the track says it all.
“I’ll prove to the non-believers, I’v got new tricks”
So, on to the 2nd track today, “I’m not alright”.
Over the years, and more recently, ive reviewed a number of albums and gigs, and there is always a returning theme to at least one of the album tracks, mental health, or should that be mental ill health. A scourge that appears to be increasing in a society where solutions are very often hard to come by. Massive waiting lists, inappropriate prescription meds being handed out like theyre sweets, and many other issues surrounding this disease.
“I’m not alright” is an honest and blunt view of one person’s fight against the darkness that dwells in a large proportion of our communities. And what is the answer, to many, alcohol. Unable to live with demons we turn to drink to try and block out the misery of whats going on in our heads. Is it the right course, for some it might be, but more often that not, the dreaded booze merely exacerbates the issue, plunging that person deeper into the nightmare, quite often unable to drag themselves out again. A hard hitting and again, basic lyric with an impactive outlook on today’s pressure and life problems.
“i’m not doing well, i’m struggling here, showing weakness is my greatest fear”
Look out for each people, sometimes we are the ones to help others, not the meds.
The Puncturists are from Barnsley, Goole and Grimsby. (England, UK.)
Gail Townsend – Vocals,
Patrick Crawford – Guitars and Vocals,
Dale Farrow – Bass and Vocals,
Martin Gregory – Drums, buckets & spades and cowbell.
Links:
Web: www.Puncturists.com
Facebook: The Puncturists
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepuncturists/
X/Twitter: www.x.com/puncturists
Images by Johnny from Mayhem at Micks this year.