We were contacted by Anthony 'Watty' Watson from The Sentence if we'd like to review their new album, Broken World. We instantly said yes as their first album Strong Arm Of The Law was received with aplomb by us at Last Stop Sounds so it is with eager anticipation that I await the postman to deliver the aforementioned second album by this very popular band on the Punk and Oi scene.
Broken World literally picks up from where Strong Arm left us.... it's as good and basically a continuation of their first release. Almost as if it was recorded in the same session. Broken World has twelve foot-tapping tracks, the opening track deals with some of our (un) favourite people, the police. (Not the late 70s band obviously) but our boys in blue.
Coppers, kicks off, no long intro, medium paced, nice little guitar lick over the solid backing rhythm. Watty spits out the lyrics venomously as the undulating waves of classic Oi wash over you.
Coppers is followed by Rise 'N' Shine. Again no intro as the five lads all hammer out the first note in unison. Another nice little lead riff before Watty again delivers the vocal track with the same integrity as the opener.
The pace quickens as the third
offering fires up. Line Of Fire is more upbeat. A common theme is occurring, each song (so far) is 'all in' interspersed with little lead ditties.
The fourth track and my personal favourite One More Time follows suit, like the others mid-paced but the message is something that we can all relate to. It's about missing someone who is no longer with us.
When You Rest is next up. Watty continues his angst filled vocals and drags us further on the path of The Sentence, being hauled along with Andy and Steve's guitar ensemble.
Blame It On The Kids breaks the mould as for the first time on the album, we have a slightly different intro. Spike on the bass takes centre stage as he opens up proceedings. The machine rolls on, this particular track features Ged on the drum with a typical Oi rat-a-tat pattern on the drums which takes you back to classic 80's Oi and Skinhead bands like The Business and The 4-Skins.
Halfway through now and the fuse is lit by a singular guitar signalling the start of Riot. The lyrics of this song are akin to the classic Summer Of 82 by The Violators.
Your Society informs us that London is calling and England is falling. Without having the lyric sheet in front of me I imagine to be about how our/your society is failing, due to these pricks in charge of local governments etc. It's a shout out for all of us to stand us and say no!
Bored Teenager is a quicker paced track. Don't we all know a bored teenager. This song typically falls in line with this album, steady pounding of the drums as Ged's work on the high-hats is impressive along with the driving double six string attack.
The title track Broken World could be likened to the mighty Cock Sparrer in it's varying chord changes and Watty's vocal attack. A good, solid number that cruises along the highway at a steady pace. No broken land speed records here, just a forceful aural attack.
The penultimate track Little People features some kind of maniacal voice in the background which injects a little bit of humour into the proceedings. The joys of parenting! We've all had to endure trying to persuade our offspring to tidy up etc and eventually end up losing our shit!
The Sentence draws the CD to a close, again another Cock Sparrer influenced number methinks with the drums, cymbals and guitars all accentuating on intermitting snare beats. Something that Cock Sparrer do really well. This track is a fitting end to a very well put together album.
If you love your classic Oi/Skin music from the early to mid 80's then you are going to like The Sentence. These hard working lads ply their trade very well. As mentioned, they are popular on the scene and no doubt will be appearing live in a town/city/village/dungeon or holding near to you. Go check them out. Finally, keep supporting your local music venues, local promoters, local bands and buy their merch. If you don't, we could lose it all. Stay safe.....
Words: DLW, phots: RBY
Bandcamp: https://thesentence1.bandcamp.com/releases
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwestpunkband
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