Glühwein and Good Times
Fill your glasses my friends and welcome the season of peace on earth and goodwill to all men (women, children, animals and all else). On the other hand, just down your drinks in one and chase around after this barking little number from our German friends, for whom CHRISTMAS has come exceptionally early.
The delightfully titled “Scum As You Are” belies the gloriously warm and comforting imagery that the band name conjures and believe me you won’t be stopping to refill your glasses until they have dropped you from a great height and laughed at you crashing to the floor. A record full of punk fury and angst, you may have heard it before but that is no reason to push this one aside.
We begin with a fabulous drum intro, I do love a good drumbeat, and here, it is something that is present throughout. “Army of Losers” knocks you right off your perch as you try and regain your balance, but hey you’re not fast enough as track two follows suit and “The Old Man Tells” his story, perpetuated by the drums and – dare I say it- Lemmy (RIP) like hoarse vocals. There is a brilliant interlude with a great rhythmic guitar mid-section.
“You Bore Me” is X-Ray Spex inspired and a kick to the crotch, just hold on as it’s gonna hurt, by crikey! For “Wave Of Hate” the pin has already been pulled on this grenade, just run for cover as it rips right through ya! Almost halfway in and CHRISTMAS is comin’ atcha with bells on, there is no stopping these guys. “Fortune Ain’t Payable” is followed by the title track, great chorus here. You’ll find the whole record is a never-ending circle pit – just jump in and go around and around, it’s no retreat, no surrender folks!
“You’re an empty generation, with an empty mind” has an anthemic quality, very typical punk vibes, but still thoroughly enjoyable.
With “I Hate” you have a snivelling, snarling wretch of a creature that will not be put down. Imparting bold, strong words wrapped lovingly in maniacal fretwork.
My favourite “Rose Butt” is up next. I always thought that if I was in a band, I would be the drummer, there is fantastic drumming throughout. Celebrate “Good Times” with this wall of death inciting tune and we culminate our festive singalong with “Sex Sells” which is the longest song on this record at a monumental four minutes and thirteen seconds, quite extra-ordinary really.
For a DIY job, this is accomplished, great writing and recording, it’s not flawless but I don’t think there are any major errors here, but I am speaking purely as a listener and not as a musician.
A record to get the annual Christmas shenanigans underway, it most definitely exudes a Rock ‘n Roll bravado that reaches out and captivates those who come in contact. Bursting with short, sharp showers, stand underneath and get drenched my friends!