Labels: Abused – Loud Punk
Review by: Alex Deller
Fairly straightforward UK82 stuff from Bournemouth. This was originally released on cassette back in ’83 and then on a Grand Theft Audio discog CD a bit more recently, but this is its first time on vinyl as far as I’m aware. The music is sharp and direct if a little bit welterweight, and despite the larrikin vocals (“dint wonna be a sowja!”) it’s not as tough-sounding as you might expect. These aren’t complaints, though, as the songs are bright, clear and neatly put together, the single-string melodies give things a cool, crisp edge and its trad punkishness occasionally – to me at least – giving way to whiffs of an Estuary English version of The Saints. Overall it’s a strong outing, and while it mightn’t lead you to riot in the streets it’s still some good, punchy stuff with a knack for sharp, boisterous songwriting that hits home just like it should.