‘raise, engage, redirect that burning rage’
Welcome my friends to the fifth album by angry young men The Hip Priests, from the gutter and grime of Nottingham they arrive to share with us their ‘Roden House Blues’ named after a building that previously housed a lace factory. There’s a gritty, lion-hearted glamour here; from the get-go in 2006 they have the music scene in a chokehold and are not letting go any time soon.
With no fucks left to give I dive into the pile of ‘Trojan Horseshit’ 1.28 minutes of insanity that sets the tone for the album. The song reminds me of the 59 second, crash, bang ,wallop of ‘Head Transplant’ by Thrashquatch, the delivery is immediate and intense. Those of you familiar with their work will devour every note, every word, those new to the band, prick up your ears, it’s about to get messy. Using the backdrop of lockdown and exploring the idea of austerity until you are fit to bursting, these lads rant and rave, punching holes in your gut as they tackle all the current issues, that still have not been addressed adequately by those inept and in charge. It’s full pelt all the way, charging through ‘Inaction Rocks’ and taking a slice out of those ‘Pissed on Power’, I think we all know who they mean.
The band are dissenters, agitators, situated at the epicentre of an earthquake, challenging everything, questioning everything, and then distributing contusions, cuts and bruises to those who deserve them.
The single ‘Chasing Death’ gives me early The Damned vibes, very ‘New Rose’ just awesome, with a humdinger of a video too, all skilfully presented by Nathan Von Cruz – lead vocals, Austin Rocket – guitar/vocals, Lee Love – bass/vocals, Gentle Ben – guitar/vocals, D.P. Bomber – drums.
They present a bitter and twisted view of a bitter and twisted world, you just can’t escape the tragedy, the travesty that life has become. Standing on the edge of a revolution, as ‘Persistence is Futile’ we scavenge for hope in the ashes of a binfire, created and perpetuated by those diabolical goblins disguised as leaders.
It’s actually quite sad listening to this, so much time has elapsed and yet here we are, showing no progression, still too much hurt and hunger in the world, all credit to the musicians still plugging away and keeping the fires burning; keeping hope alive. Three cheers for cacophony, disruption and nihilism courtesy of this merry band, draw your sword at your own peril.
The Hip Priests are knocking on your door, let them in little pig or they’ll blow your house down.
Azra Pathan
The Hip Priests – Roden House Blues out 5th May 2023 via The Sign Records.