Newtown Neurotics: Cognitive Dissidents
(Cadiz)
CD | LP
Out twenty first Oct 2022
The brand new album from Harlow’s Newtown Neurotics has a much less uncooked, extra melodic sound however they’re nonetheless offended and political, and stitch the seeds of hope.
The Newtown Neurotics (affectionately shortened to The Neurotics by most) exploded onto the punk scene with the astounding 7-inch “Hypocrite” in 1979. Upon first listening to it someday within the early ’80s, I used to be an prompt fan. Strident, offended, political and clever uncooked punk rock with a contact of melody and loads of oomph. And a transparent love for The Ramones. Then got here the resounding Kick Out The Tories/Senseless Violence single. I nonetheless play it ceaselessly.
The best way Steve Drewett sang a tuneful uplift on the finish of most traces and the realpolitik observations of gritty day-to-day life at all times made me assume the Neurotics had been what English folks would sound like if it was written by individuals who grew up in concrete jungles slightly than twee villages.
The title of this new album, Cognitive Dissidents, shows Newtown Neurotics’ trademark considerate method. Written and recorded while in lockdown, it’s nonetheless present and legitimate, on matter for its launch.
The album begins off with a jaunty, poppy and folky Local weather Emergency. Sure, they’re nonetheless political, what did you anticipate? It’s a topic they partially broached on When The Oil Runs Out again in 1980. It’s miserable that 40 years on we’re nonetheless caught with a fossil fuel-dependent economic system (and most of the different points they sang about equivalent to racists on the streets, and Tories who want kicking out!) It might make you query the ability of music in social change till you do not forget that it may very well be even worse, and while music is louder than struggle, we’re up towards some very highly effective pursuits who’re even louder. Flip up that dial!
The Newtown Neurotics are actually not fairly as punchy and are far more melodic. Steve Drewett’s vocal isn’t as uncooked as as soon as was, and to be truthful that was at all times a big a part of the Neurotics’ sound. Consequently, it is a departure from these early singles and the excellent Beggars Can Be Choosers LP with which I’m acquainted.
The guitar can also be much less uncooked and reducing. I can’t assist however really feel that if the complete pressure of the guitar was allowed to chop by way of the combo a bit extra the album would have extra bollocks. The firming down of each guitar and vocal has the impact of sanding off the tough edges which I fairly like and pushes this in a pub rock or mod course. This isn’t to say that the band shouldn’t change or mature, only a notice for many who may be anticipating a seamless continuation.
Lyrically the Neurotics can’t be faulted. As their social media channels proclaim “It’s time to unfold hope, to agitate, educate & organise!“. There’s a lot for the band to relax towards nowadays. Arguably we’re in a worse scenario than within the ’80s when the Neurotics minimize their enamel. Most of the songs concentrate on the state the folks of the UK now discover themselves in – or extra to the purpose, peculiar, working folks. Some issues are outlined and a few options prompt. None of it’s rocket science however all of us want reminding of apparent truths on occasion.
Liar Liar is, going by the duvet artwork, impressed particularly by the actions of our earlier Prime Minister however might simply apply to any political chief over the previous few many years of any social gathering. Utilities had been bought off low-cost for personal acquire, the NHS is being stripped for elements, homelessness is on the rise… Broadly they describe the destruction of the post-war consensus that led to the welfare state.
Dumb laments the manipulative dumbing down of regular folks, which anybody who has studied the rise of fascism will know is a key ingredient within the rise of totalitarianism. “We’re dumb and more and more numb”. Individuals are “shunned”.
Hell In A Handcart is a message to the bigots, nazis and politicians who will drag the nation all the way down to hell. Not surprisingly the Neurotics wish to cease it!
Hope describes our resilience being chipped away by malignant forces (full with sound results) and units out how we are able to survive it. “All of us want hope…all of us want love…to free us from despair”. Solidarity is the important thing in order that they advise us to “Interact your neighborhood, the ability of unity, go away nobody right here behind”. For my part, they’ve nailed it. It’s the mission to destroy solidarity and isolate everybody that began as they launched their band which has led to our present shit-uation. Nevertheless, this tune is tinged with disappointment and apparently the band are teetering on the precipice.
Acoustic guitar and hand claps give Stand With You an nearly ballad-esque sound however there’s a dose of glam a-la Mott The Hoople. It repeats the significance of solidarity as our technique of resisting the far proper and makes a promise to others “We’re gonna stand with you, don’t let these bastards get their method, come what might”. It comes as no shock to listen to the rallying cries “By no means Once more” and “They Shall Not Go” from a band that was preventing fascists 40 years in the past.
Take Your Soiled Hand is one thing of a retrospective tribute or love tune in defence of their new dwelling city of Harlow. Lyrics are crammed in to make their level, generally spilling over with out sounding misguided. Others would sacrifice the phrases to suit the tune, however not the Neurotics. This was at all times a attribute enchantment of their sound. Clocking in at over 6 minutes and with brass, claps and cheers this tune comes near rock opera proportions. You may be forgiven for considering it was the hit tune from “Harlow – The Musical”.
I Get On Your Nerves is a 2 fingers tune of unbridled hatred and despisement. Because the tune progresses the message of hate is juxtaposed with some benign floaty Doorways-style keyboards and a dub reggae-inspired drop out of the guitar leaving the bass, drums and loads of echo on the vocals.
On Cognitive Dissidents, the Newtown Neurotics vent some necessary messages. The general sound of this album is softer and folkier, leaning extra in direction of the sound of their mate Attila the Stockbroker than the basic Neurotics sound (assume Libyan College students From Hell, which I assumed they collaborated on however I could also be mistaken). Consequently, I believe this much less acerbic method might enchantment to the trade-unionist-with-a-beer-gut crowd that lap up the likes of Billy Bragg. There may be area for extra melody in punk proven by the likes of Eastfield, Omega Tribe and Bus Station Loonies, with whom Newtown Neurotics share some sonic traits in some unspecified time in the future or different. I guess they nonetheless kick it dwell!
Cognitive Dissidents by Newtown Neurotics is offered right here.
Catch Newtown Neurotics dwell on the following dates in November and order tickets HERE:
Tuesday eighth Nottingham , The Bodega
Wednesday ninth Newcastle, The Cluny 2
Thursday tenth Edinburgh, Voodoo Ballroom
Friday eleventh Glasgow, Mcchuills
Saturday twelfth Middlesbrough, Westgarth Social Membership
Sunday thirteenth Todmorden, The Golden Lion
Saturday nineteenth Brighton, The Prince Albert (Matinee)
Tuesday twenty second London, The Lexington
Comply with them on their Official Web site, Twitter, Fb, Instagram and Bandcamp.
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Phrases by Nathan Brown. You’ll be able to learn extra from Nathan on his Louder Than Warfare archive over right here.
