Another band I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing, nor have I heard their stuff (Editor: Most Last Stop folk have though, and we like them enough to book them at Outpost on Saturday 11 March 2023). That said, on listening to this album, what strikes ya straight away is the pure driven energy, not only in the vocals, but most splendidly in the instrumental side of things. Every song without doubt, assaults the senses, the rapid tempo throughout almost takes ya breath away. Not taking away the lyrical content and skill to be able to do this consistently, you almost get the impression Jay is making damn sure you the listener, get the message, and ya go away with screaming vocals resounding in ya head and chest. And if ya don’t, stand by.
The following is a brief bio supplied by the band:
“Formed in 2019 in Northwich, Cheshire, Kicked In The Teeth are a four piece band playing both punk and hardcore in equal measure. All the members of the band have played in various other bands over the last couple of decades, coming together out of a mutual desire to play aggressive music in a fun way.
Since their inception the output of the band has been pretty prolific with two full lengths and an assorted selection of singles and EPs all available on Rare Vitamin Records. Despite the two years of forced inactivity the band has also managed to rack up an impressive amount of gigs around the UK, including appearances at both Manchester Punk Festival and Rebellion, they’ve also just booked their first European trip for the spring of 2023.
The live performances are full throttle affairs, rapid fire songs and an explosive energy that leaves everything on the stage, harking back to the hardcore performances of the 80s and 90s from which they draw a lot of their influence.
Going forward the band have no intention of slowing down with a new EP in the works and an eye solidly on getting out and playing as many new places as possible in 2023.“
Tie Die Life
Bang, straight at ya, no messing full on manic guitars and vocals, deep searing vocals, without a breath between words. The life of violence has no real meaning, what do we gain. Nothing some might say, others “the macho stance”. But at the end of the day, violence begets violence. “a life of violence, now a life underground”. A line in this track stands out, where the writer states “systematic bad romance” describing the physical look of violence on a person, reacting to the feelings inside. Clever.
Home Town Showdown
Possibly the fastest track of all, astonishing vocals fighting all the way with chaotically in balance guitar riffs from start to end, with dominant drums. A track showing patience, and perhaps “vengeance will be mine”. Fed up of all the lies pumped into society by social media and mainstream. One day “we will rise” and “sing true” the truth that no one dares to speak. They may think we can be kept quiet, but one day, the revolution will come, and music will play its part
Beyond the Dane
Bit of an odd one this, but clever and fascinating, almost contradictory at the same time. A song about what was, is and will be, yet remaining the same whereby our ideologies can change, but life stays the same. Ya get the feeling another tune is being overdubbed/sampled in the background. A mish mash of sounds blended in with vicious guitar and drum work. Toward the end we have split second delays morphing into echoey 60’s guitar riffs. Shouldn’t work, but pulled off with subtle aplomb. Great track
Say no More
A song of social misery covering many aspects of the life we live. From commenting on others who are different to you, to being a judge with nothing but negativity and foul words. “we see with vacant eyes”, seeing but not seeing what is going on, turning a blind and being told to “say no more”. Fully open your eyes to this mess the world is in and make a change, the social change that we have needed for years. “the man still laughs at the firing squad, and I berate the notion of your last words spoken”. Another powerful lyric, putting a finger up to all that is against positivity.
Monachopsis Bones
“Taken from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows (John Koenig), monachopsis is. The subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place, as maladapted to your surroundings as a seal on a beach…. unable to recognize the ambient roar of your intended habitat, in which you'd be fluidly, brilliantly, effortlessly at home.” Well ya live and learn, a word I wasn’t familiar with, yet I believe many are familiar with the sentiment.
I find this quite a sad song, that ever deepening feeling of loneliness, caving in on top of you as your bones break under the pressure of what we are supposed to be, as opposed to what we want to be. Hard hitting last verse “ we talk together about being alone, leave a wake of broken bones, these bones they belong to me, a lifelong journey to be free, lets talk it out when we are alone, and when I wake up on my own, we can truly be free”. Many ways to untangle that wording, and im sure we will have our own translations. To me it reads a very basic intent, just try to be yourself, and not what others demand
Borecore
Those times in our lives when we experience sheer and utter terrifying boredom. Not knowing what to do, to say, just wanna give it all up. Then the realisation kicks, fucking wake up “slap myself in the face, confront this misery”. Cracking line, but some cant, these feelings can cause a downward spiral of depression and mental anguish. For me, this song is more about facing what issues we have, seeking help and accepting that we can sort it out, given the right opportunities. So many songs written about menta ill health, and quite rightly so. However, these lyrics are more hard hitting and unsubtle than most. “frontal lobes are letting me down” genius, and how true in the world in which we live.
1983
Drum and twangy riffs open up this what seems to me to be a very personal song by the writer. A wasted life perhaps, with a realisation that all that has gone by should be forgotten, and new steps to be taken for the future. “take back the reason you belong, and don’t wait for fate to breathe”. And indication of change, not to be swayed by what others demand or expect from you, but indeed to find a new path, and make decisions for yourself as opposed to what other decide on your behalf. YOU DECIDE
Let it Die
Probably the “angriest” and most insistent song on the album. Fast and furious drum and guitar noise. One of those tracks where the listener can interpret a number of meanings to the lyrics, yet basically, the principle can be applied to many things in life. Politically, a shout out to those in so called power, them not realising that they have come to the end of their dictatorship, and the people have had enough “cant you see your ship is sinking”, a very apt lyric for the current fuck up of a government you might agree. On the flip side, it could be you, as in 1983, time for a change.
Break my Neck
Varying tempos throughout this track. Starting off at the usual blistering pace, receding to slow tempo then back up again. A clever ruse to draw you into the song, wondering whats gonna happen next. Following on from previous song lyrics on the album, the time has finally come to make that change. “the day I found the source of new social awakening, the belief of somebody so profound”. The realisiation that we can change, breaking the neck, killing your old life for the new one, and “carry on for the sake of sanity”. Possibly a mixed message here, who knows
We will take you with Us
An apt track to close the album. The world is about change, the chance is now to make things better for all. You may not succeed, but at least we give it a try, speak up for yourself, help others, “wipe ya bloody nose” and make a stand for what is right. “BOUND HANDS UNTIED WE WILL TAKE YOU WITH US” to a better society, a better existence, a better life. Perhaps !
A strong album, with a strong story to tell. Searing, fast guitar work, deep bass and extraordinary drum work alongside angry powerful vocals, make this a solid album of excellent tracks. Fully recommend a listen or two. Hard thrashy punk at its finest, or whatever label you wanna pin on it.
Words: Johnny Reay, Photos: Band Media/Richie Yates
Links:
Bandcamp: https://kickedintheteeth.bandcamp.com
Email: kickedintheteef@gmail.com