Goldblade - Manchester, UK
Mutiny
By fellow Bladest : Jillian Abbene
(SugarBuzz Wash DC/Richmond)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Like a whore ready for a throw-down, I couldn’t wait to hear Goldblade’s newest CD entitled, ‘Mutiny,’ a band that gives licensure to nothing other than raucous fun.
From the first time I saw Goldblade in 2004 at a Washington DC venue, the room was only peppered with standbys. However, I was still impressed with their chutzpah as they wowed everyone watching. Their grit and energy made me realize that they are a really awesome band. That night, however, I asked myself, “Why is it that I have not known of Goldblade before?” I discovered that like Goldblade, bands from overseas are not given the opportunity to break into the underground here in the USA so easily, and that the music market seems to only be interested in enticing bands with hand-outs to the shit sell-out bands rather than putting their money where their mouth is. (That‘s another chapter). If that’s the case, well this a compliment to Goldblade, because they have made it on their own merit. Matter of fact, it was their pioneering sounds that actually made me start scouting out punk bands expansively. Their substance and fabric is the real deal.
Goldblade has created a big following over the past few years--so big they have even made a name for themselves in Russia. So it is no surprise that Goldblade would invite and incite a riot or two. They challenge the listener to either cross the line or walk the plank—which leads me to their latest CD. Their metaphorical pirate theme is a healthy reminder that punk rock doesn’t have to be so serious. It’s all about beers, cheers and having fun.
So let me start off with the first song, ’Jukebox Generation.’ A thumping street-beat along a simplistic communal chorus, squeezes between the stabs of Johny Skullknuckles’ rock ‘n roll riff. Square in the M8, Sir Preacher John Robb fuels in an accapella testimonial verse in regards to the spirit of heroes that are long gone—all before the drum and bass catch up. A burst of delightful searing guitar makes it to the end.
Steins are clanking in camaraderie as, ‘Mutiny,’ unites the collective commoner by way of a crowd-chorus. The sea-faring, hyped-up beat changes shift into side-saddling theatrical, pirated, ‘aaarrrggghhh’s,’ that seems humorous to me. With Goldblade’s mission to scrutinize those who attempt to steal self-entitled camaraderie and throw them overboard, surely their live show is marked more as a ’born-again’ baptism than just a rock show.
Gutted, guitar spurts in, ‘Everybody’s On Drugs,’ has John Robb testifying the natures of drugs and how even the high profilers also dabble, yet shuffle the secret under the floorboards. Pete’s pile-driving guitar is tucked underneath the guitar, as a neatly planted slag-riff makes room for the harmonious chorus. Leading all the way to an explosive beat-on to a sneered pig-squeal, it still holds the framework to good ol’ rock and roll.
Tailored to American disciplinarians, JR’s preached-up sermons advocate political cynicism in, ‘America Destroys All Its Heroes.’ As grinding guitar is in time with Rob’s steady drums, the bridge shows off a different aspect--Johny’s backwards guitar works/special effects. Next is an intentional vocal roundabout that adds nice harmonies, and to top it off, a slanting into a faded and jaded, oh-so-familiar, ‘Star Spangled Banner.’
‘Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone,’ should be a hit single. Keith’s chunked up syncopated bass along with screamin’ guitar, gallivants in double-time…and that’s just the intro. As JR’s vocals puncture through the beefed-up beat, it all leads up to a fever-pitch guitar bridging the baptism between hyperventilating guitar chords and spoken word. If you like that early punk sound, here it is.
Jumping into a full assault of rock ‘n roll in, ’Wake Up, You’re Already Dead,’ John is now guttural. Landing with an odd-noted chorus inclusive of wolfing guitar-pulls, a low register of gang-chorus kicks up the cadence, with an intensifying wa-wa groove-jam. This seems like a new sound from the rest of their songs; however, the speed-up in guitar pulls ‘n screams stops the song long enough in its tracks to know their signature sound is in tact. Accapella, John exclaims jumping in, ’Wake Up You’re Already Dead!’ setting up what could be live encore.
Fellow Americans heed the call. Just because you, [munching on Cheetos, sitting on your duff, watching, ’Family Guy,’] haven’t heard of these guys, doesn’t mean shit. Trust me! Their live performances are electric, debaucherated punk rock. Although I last saw them in DC in 2005, I myself have been christened as a Baldest, and have been following their blazoned path ever since.
[note: These guys have been busy! ’Mutiny,’ can be bought on www.interpunk.com, or their latest split CD with Argy Bargy, and “City of Christmas Ghosts” has Poly Styrene joining in with a duet on vocals. That’s amazing considering this is the first time since Poly’s X-Ray Spex days that she is performing on trax once again. Yes fellow Americans, there is a Santa Claus]
