Labels: Boss Tuneage
Review by: Joe Ling
This is one of a series of nostalgic releases of English political punk by Boss Tuneage “” a venerable punk label from the East Midlands that specialises in the uncomplicated. Heavily influenced by the Dead Kennedys and Big Black, this compilation of previously unreleased demo and promo material – and a solitary EP – by the late 80s / early 90s London anarcho-p outfit Trench Fever does have an ultra-lo fi charm, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously either. You are however left with the feeling that this is more a historical or social record than a hardcore punk one – a flashback to what the left wing punk underground in the late Thatcher era thought and sounded like, before dance music of the crusty megadog variety displaced it in the tastes of its target demographic (and their drummer went off with the Blaggers ITA). Undeniably, these chaps earned their dues supporting Snuff and Lawnmower Deth at a clubs where the toilets had no seats or doors – and the audience was made up of two kinds of skinheads, ideologically opposed, but both equally likely to kick your head in. So overall, fair play – and good luck with it, gentlemen.