Don't you dare throw this album on the rubbish pile!
Ladies and gentlemen, this is how a debut album is meant to be done! Blending ska, punk and hardcore together with an air of effortlessness, The Junk have evolved a sound that commendably balances melodiousness with brutality; not an easy task by any means. And even if the Brighton octet were to learn of any criticism flung in their direction, they definitely do not seem the type of band that would care in the slightest.
'I.V.B.K.' and 'Eyes Wide Open' act as a superb introduction to one of Britain's most promising skacore punk acts. Clearly inspired by a broad spectrum of musical talents, The Junk have drawn from a plethora of styles and extracted the finest elements. 'Nick Griffin is a Cunt' is a pulse-raising highlight that boasts a genuinely incredible breakdown. One word of warning: you WILL be overwhelmed by a primitive urge to begin thrusting your head back and forth at this moment. The track flashes frantic horn parts that unfortunately suffer from poor intonation when slurred in unison and once you hear it, it is very difficult to un-hear it. But let's face it, with a title like that, it was never going to get on the radio! Piano instrumental 'Floor' is a touching interlude, despite being comparably sloppy rhythmically. The thirty second solo is, however, undoubtedly saved by a cadenza that flourishes with exquisite harmony.
'Left for Dead' is a standout track and perfectly illustrates how competently the band has combined dynamic brass parts with irate punk, injecting a dose of playful ska in there just for good measure. On paper, the addition of guest Simon Yapp on violin for 'D.T.S.F.C.' seems a bizarre addition to the volatile cauldron of fiery punk, yet manages to complement the frenetic characteristic of The Junk's music so well. 'Rise and Shine' and 'Sally' both reliably continue to deliver The Junk's energetic strand of punk as the album passes the halfway mark, continuing with the adorably titled 'Sleepy Panda Wobble Time'... and that's probably the only time you will ever hear 'adorable' and 'The Junk' in the same sentence.
The first half of 'Politics with Nightsticks' is an intense statement, proving that tracks do not need to be overworked, with the 1 minute 17 second duration seeming perfectly fitting. The second half eases into a delay-heavy aural hallucination that sedates you with a deceivingly relaxing mood. It is during moments like these that you appreciate how skilled The Junk is at crafting a balanced record. "Problem. Reaction. Solution" could quite easily have been a relentless, fourty five minute assault, but the eight-piece have wisely discovered that their music punches with greater strength after allowing the listener to lower their guard. As soon as 'Devil in a Sunday Suit' throws its first musical uppercut, you will understand completely.
'Scream Your Dreams' is regarded by the band as a favourite to perform live and this sincere enthusiasm has been captured brilliantly for the album's penultimate track, with saxophonist Will Tabary-Peterssen's frilly leads dancing above a bouncing rhythmic section. 'No Regrets' ends in a suitable fashion and delivers an ample measure of skank-worthy music, even with enraged screaming tossed in at no extra cost.
"Problem. Reaction. Solution" is a raging debut for the ska punkers. The Junk's fourteen track voyage is tainted by small flaws, but overall remains an overpowering release. An essential skacore purchase.