In today’s swirling cesspit of politics, messed up societies and uncertain times, Bad Breeding could well be the huge stomping boot of anarchic musical expression that these times have been calling for. Loud, in-yer-face, punk rumblings mingling with lyrical themes from zero hour contracts, war, politics, the media, all delivered at a warp speed pace. Opening track ‘Exiled’ leaps out of the blocks and sets the tone it’s aggressive, brash and fuelled by hefty riffs with Angus Stewart’s guitar wailing over the top. Who needs caffeine, when you’ve got this blasting out! ‘Repossession’ has fast guitar riffs in a Minor Threat style with an equally fast vocal delivery from frontman Chris Dodds with Charlie Rose’s pounding basslines and Ashlea Bennett’s powerful drums completing the picture.
Elsewhere on the album ‘Theatre Of Work’ deals with Dodd’s own experiences and feelings whilst working on zero hour contracts and the insecurities which accompany such work. Bad Breeding have their work cut out rallying against the injustices and frustrations of modern life, but this anarcho-punk lot from Stevenage do it with style. ‘Whose Cause?’ builds to an ear crunching crescendo of sharp riffs and powerful vocals, and ‘Tortured Reality’ has great guitar riffs which power the song along, and end in a Sonic Youth-esque wall of guitar noise. They’ve supported Royal Blood and Mastodon in the past, but are just as likely to be found playing antifascist benefit gigs and squats. A brilliantly revitalising blast of hardcore punk.
Bad Breeding: Exiled – Out Now (One Little Indian Records)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
