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Album Review: UK Dissent - 16 January 2023


UK Dissent based in Sunderland, Mick guitar, vocals, Chris M bass, Chris B drums. Formed in 2021 described by one reviewer as melodic street punk which fits the bill. Influenced by original punk 77 The Clash, The Jam, The Sex Pistols, The Damned. Chris M is a massive Ramones fan to New Model Army to Leatherface and most things in-between. The lads started writing songs while locked down and are a reflection of the times we live in and mistrust in people running the country.


The band is gigging more frequently and have played with Red Alert, Theatre of Hate, Spear of Destiny amongst others and have supports with Newtown Neurotics in Middlesbrough and our old friends the Proles in Sunderland coming up. They are looking further afield for gigs for 2023 and are off to London and Manchester to play in the near future.


This debut album was released earlier this year with great reviews in Vive le Rock 8/10 August amongst others. It will be up on digital platforms in the near future to hear, for a copy now contact the band. They are currently writing album 2 and have 7 songs cooking for recording early 2023.


New State: Searing guitar work opens this up-tempo track, explaining that as individuals we have the right to do what we want, without risk or hurt to others. The thought process of those in power believe we should be someone else and follow the precepts of authority and not have individuality. This is who we are and who we want to be. A very impacting and powerful line in this “people are not for profit”. Perhaps a subtle dig at the government and the “allegedly” underhand business deals during the pandemic. Eg PPE. Just a thought!

Day in Day Out: Sweet bass line opener (bit of JJ Burnel I’m thinking) morphing nicely into slidey neck guitar riff, strong drum back line with what sounds like synth in-between, could be wrong tho. This is an eye-opening insight in the class divisions within this country, whereby the rich have one over on the poorer sections of society. Cleverly written lyrics utilising the mines amongst others, and the honest and true desire to change this government, and sooner the better. Change is needed, and I would suggest it is very much on the horizon. Very strong message “get these bastards out”.


Neighbourhood Blues: The constant fear of our estates and neighbourhoods going down the pan, the lawless few ruining it for all. The lack of authoritative response to deal with the ongoing and rising social issues, irrespective of how or why it is, like it is. Probably my favourite track on the album. Lyrically very straight to the point, musically very interesting, a rockabilly intro, fading out to straight guitar riff seamlessly and without you realising it, then back to bluesy rock n roll guitar riffs.

From the Suburbs to the Frontline: Predominately drum and bass, this is a tune where you will be standing at the bar, and as soon its starts, ya turn ya head to listen. Very catchy opening to grab ya by the nuts and listen. The state of greed in which the “fat cats” live without compassion for the need and less fortunate. “The moral of the story, there is no moral” brilliant. Cracking tune, great harmonies and an easy listen. “Too little, too late”.


Hold On: The importance of knowing what’s on the inside and not always what’s written on the label. Knowing when to be happy with what you have and being at ease with who and what you are. This can so easily be applied to pretty much anything in life. Never be afraid to stick with ya principles and ethos where your own values are right for you. Some may not agree, so be it. Without personal belief, there is nothing. Simple guitar work making way for what the song is about.


Punk Rock in our Veins: Lots of lovely deep bass again with a smattering of Oi! guitar work takes us into a classic line “are friends electric” made me smile. An age-old message of what punk rock means to us all from the perspective of the band. Pretty much covers what I would suggest we all feel in the scene “punk rock in our hearts, punk rock in our veins”

Song from Northern Britain: A song for justice against injustice, outlining the great North/South divide which has been in place for what seems like for always. From the eyes and minds on those of us up north, seeing daily the discrepancies of geographical policies. I get the impression this was influenced by the great Mensi, again, could be wrong, but it is the type of coherent lyric he would have written.


What’s Wrong with People: Short n sweet and to the point. The depressingly often heard phrase, “what is wrong with people”. We hear it and say it all the time, not just about the criminality of some evil twisted sicko, but the general lack of compassion and love that seems to drive many in power on their onward quest of power and wealth at the expense of others. One day, maybe, this train of thought will bite back at those with this outlook on life, and I wanna be there to see it. Angry passionate lyrics, fast tempo guitar and drums. Yup, revenge can and will be sweet.


Babylon: Wake up and smell the coffee, literally speaking, Babylon can be translated into there being a rich and diverse society, in other cultures a place of evil and oppression. We see and hear the phrase that we live in a diverse community, but in reality, divisions exist in the form of racism, hate, intolerance and ignorance. It getting better, but we have a long way to go. Some might believe it’s a “sham or scam” to keep people under the control of a ruling authority, some might just see it as “oh well, that’s life, just get on with it “attitude. We need to do more to rid society of ignorance and bigotry. THERE IS NO BABYLON. Don’t believe the hype.


Everything is Great: The ups and downs of living and being brought up on a council estate. All the characters that become part of our lives, the lows and highs, the good the bad. If ya want it, ya can get it. A personal view of growing up in often hard times, making do with what ya have, and living the best life you can. Long pause toward the end, ending with a little acapella to finish off with. Nice touch


To think this is the first album from UK Dissent is a little odd. Ya get the impression the three lads have been together for an age. Tight instrumentals throughout, perfect harmonies where they exist and a clear chemistry and bond between them. Production, mixing and editing are all equally excellent. Lyrically very strong. Its clear by any stretch of the imagination, that UK


Dissent are a very good sounding punk band. Three people shall I say than most who got together to make music with passion and skill. Yet another band I cannot wait to see live. Long may you play and rebel against the system.


Words: Johnny Reay, Photos: Band Media

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