Labels: Boss Tuneage
Review by: Graham Sleightholme
VIOLENT ARREST need no introduction, ex-SPITE / RIPCORD / HERESY / UNIFORM APPROACH / DUMBSTRUCK etc etc a long history of playing Hardcore Punk and this lot are on their seventh release. Recent changes have seen Steve leave vocal duties to spend more time fighting in the streets of Weston Super Mare, and allow Welly of FOUR LETTER WORD to take the mic. So there`s two LPs on here with different singers. First up is the most recent `Life inside”¦.`. No change to the formula really, its straight up fast punk. John pounds the drums and Baz deals out the riffs in a partnership going on 30 years. They`ve nailed their style. Wellys vocal delivery takes a while to get used to as its not Steve but on songs like `Officious Little Man` you wouldn’t really notice as the speed is hitting maximum speed. Slower songs like `Cold Front` and `Grind you Down` see a creep in of melody and a slight change in approach to writing songs. The Welly / FLW influence coming through. All in Its another stellar release from this band who show no sign of letting the kids shove them out the way. The latter part of this CD is the `Distorted View` 12″ with added Steve making it 3 out of 4 of RIPCORD. Well it’s a belter from the off and probably my favourite V.A. release to date. `Law Abiding Citizen`, `Punk to the Core` and title track `Distorted View` are killers. Steve spits out the words from a place which is as angry as it was over 25 years ago. The band aren’t all about speed but rely on a power and great riffs. It’s a great great record and you can punch the air and singalong and if a band can get you doing that then its job done. There’s more though, bonus songs from the Split with ENDLESS GRINNING SKULLS and a MAU MAUS cover (great choice / Version) make this a CD packed with top drawer songs. The Old Wave Of British Hardcore is far from Retirement.