A Maelstrom of Music...
Underpinned by a good old rock 'n' roll sound that's overlaid with a classically punk pounding and screaming out of the sly vocals, Gold Blade hurl this diamond encrusted brick through your musical window- don't duck because you'll want to take this one full in the face. Musically, 'Psycho' has a touch of The Pogues but it's a perfect counter point to the darkness of the lyrics. The point at which it merges into something akin to ska is inspired and the seamless transition into and out of this is brilliantly executed. 'Black Sheep Radical' is a great number about the 'resurrection' of Che Guevara as a legend and subtly points out how a rebel became the icon of merchandisers world wide. A more classically crafted punk number is 'Fighting In The Dancehall' and with a chorus line of 'Fighting in the dancehall/F**king in the streets' has to be a killer for audience participation.
'All We’ve Got Is Rebel Songs' has a major bass line that fires this number through your ears. The rock n' roll spirit lives in this one. 'Stereo Gangsta' is underlying hard rock with ska that keeps surfacing. A very cleverly woven together sound ending with some excellent guitar work.
The weak point of this album is 'Everything Is Porn' which is far too predictable in content. 'Cops And Robbers' is rock 'n' roll meets some form of rap- it's full of The Damned and Ian Dury, in fact so full that they explode out of it in parts. The lyrics here have some excellent in your face lines; 'Old muck Donald had a farm and on this farm he grew some crap' and 'Read from my lips when I’m talking sh*t'. 'Decline And Fall Of Ancient Rome' comes straight from the football (or should I say gladiatorial) terraces and 'Out Of Control' is a call to mosh that very few will be able to resist, particularly once the chorus starts. 'Government Lies' starts with a remarkable 'Riders On The Storm' sound that morphs into superbly presented punk rock, which manages to fire off spirals of rock guitar. The vocals here have that husky depth that is as dirty as hell.
'(War) Not In My Name' is a plain statement of fact. In a few words this song states the truth and then backs it up with the one thing that is universal: good music. 'Sick World'... If by this final number you've not banged, bounced or beaten yourself all over the place you are either dead or need to go again. Nothing complicated, just a fast paced message delivered shotgun style- 'The city is brutalised but I still love it'.
Gold blade are able to make such good use of their three guitar line up because they posses a great bass and drum sound to hit off and without which they could lose direction. This band creates a maelstrom of music that is a bit like listening to a hurricane pass over your head. Whirl with this one.