What we need right now, in the midst of this double dip recession and global meltdown, more than just about anything the politrickians are offering us, is some Noise and Revolution! Who better to bring us the Noise than a bunch of old punks in the form of THE BERMONDSEY JOYRIDERS who are all original punks from the 70's in the band with the addition of original 60's punk mastermind John Sinclair as narrator.
Yes, Garrie Lammin used to be in The Roosters and Cock Sparrer to name but 2 of his former bands. Martin Stacey opened for The Clash when he was in Chelsea and also designed the lights for Primal Scream's Screamadelica tour and of course bringing up the rear is Chris Musto who has drummed with everyone from The Subterraneans to Johnny Thunders to Iggy Pop and beyond.
So this is an concept album of sorts wherein John Sinclair narrates or introduces the songs. After his opening salvo that basically states how screwed things are, the band crash into Society is Rapidly Changing. That nails on the head exactly how things are falling apart over pin sharp garage punk and Lammin's passionate full throttle delivery. After which Mr Sinclair holds forth on The Eternal Verities of where we are at and the band retort with Right Now, which crosses Who Do You Love with My Generation and while sounding totally familar also sounds fresh. The lyrics alone make you need to listen to it over and over.
So we now know these guys have attitude but do they also have a Point Of View? Of course they do, especially about 1977. They nail everything they see as relevant in the revolution of 1977 that is still relevant today while sounding like a bunch of over eager 18 year olds let loose in the first studio they have ever seen. Only with the advantage of being a touch older and that they can really play.
They roll straight into the title track and siren call for the nation to rise up and bring about Noise and Revolution. It's in a hurry and at 1.27 it really has no time for subtlety as they ram the noise down our ears and hope we rise up. That and what ever we do, we act like True Punks and not like the fakers and pseuds who try to make like they are punks these days.
Yes we all need to stand together and stand strong like London Bridge which is a nice analogy for our times. The bass and drums seem to be kicking me in the guts to get the point of the song across. Just right.
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Soon enough John Sinclair is tackling a tough subject for an American, yes a Proper Cuppa Tea. He even has trouble pronouncing it, but the Joyriders leave him in no doubt about how we all need some Proper English to guzzle down and it's the best song about a cup of tea since well Professor Elemental's Cup of Brown Joy. Only this time they are serious you must have a cuppa and NOW!
They then got to make some serious observation on the state of the music biz with John Sinclair telling them they have a gig to play to the joys of playing The Shaking Leaves and it mentions all the normal Bull bands who are fed by the industry. It perfectly sums up the merry go round nicely and just in time to know the boys have Good Intentions while still being a Rock Star! Hell yeah, this is the sort of blast of a song that should be all over the radio.
Alternative Realities allows John Sinclair to state that we need Elmore James as Lord and Saviour and if you won't take him to your heart you're lost. How could we argue with that sentiment? Oh and if you'e not in total agreement with it they will set their Rock and Roll Demons onto you and - trust me - you will give in after that song has been pummelled into your brains at top volume. This just leaves time for a little postscript to let us all know that The Truth Walks Alone. It's a fine end to one of the most primal Punk records I've heard in a good while.
I look forward to seeing the upcoming Launch show for the album at Madame Jojo's in Soho on the 24th May. Go and buy this album as soon as you can and make a bunch of old Punks 'appy!!
The Bermondsey Joyriders online
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