TKO Records – 11 Jul 2023
Lower Class Brats are back to remind us that they really are in a class of their own.
It's hard to believe that it's been 17 years since The New Seditionaries, Lower Class Brats' last proper studio LP. That record found the band at the peak of their powers and is largely considered to be a modern punk classic. After the now typical 2020s delays, the Brats are back with Tales of The Wild, The Ugly and The Damned. (It's a play on a 1977 Ultravox song title. Look it up!) If you're concerned about the extended time between albums, don't be. LCB pick right up where Seditionaries left off.
When you've been a band as long as Lower Class Brats it's hard not to be self-referential, so you might as well get out in front of it. That's exactly what they do on the opening track, “All the Young Dudes are Pissed (Glam Bastard 2)”. The song is a sequel to the band's 1999 single “Glam Bastard”, and is obviously a nod to the 1974 Mott the Hoople/David Bowie hit. It's also a reminder of LCBs willingness to incorporate different styles of music into their hard edged punk. Glam, oi, hardcore, pub rock and good old fashioned rock and roll all find a place in the mix. “Flaunt it if you've got it,” indeed.
By the second track, “Tijuana Blonde”, it's clear that Marty Volume's loud, angry guitar is here to stay. He handles all the guitars on the record, and both the riffs and leads rip. (Second guitarist Zed is still in the band, but for whatever reason he sat this one out.) Overall, the production sparkles. It's crystal clear but also very in-your-face, the way a good punk record should be. “Tijuana Blonde” manages to tap into some serious nostalgia without sounding like a retread.
“Broken Ego” chronicles the ugly side of the music business. “Ghost” musically references D.I.'s “Johnny's Got a Problem” and is a sad tale of friends lost along the way. As much as the guitar cuts through the mix, the aggression of lead singer Bones' raspy howl isn't far behind. The lyrics are a reminder that feeling antagonistic and disenfranchised isn't solely for the young. “One Matchstick” is downright confrontational. “Dangerous Minds” recalls the band's early, beloved Clockwork Orange inspired material.
Bassist Ron Martinez is a SoCal punk legend in his own right, maybe best known as the lead singer for Final Conflict. He contributes some solid backing vocals in addition to holding down the bottom end. Similar to the guitar situation, Nick Brat is still the drummer, but former skinsman Punt filled in on this record. Tales of The Wild, The Ugly and The Damned closes with the potent one-two punch of “Demons”; and “We Never Sleep”.
This isn't really a comeback album, as Lower Class Brats never really went away. Still, it feels good to have them reclaim their proper place in punkdom. There are few things better than a snotty, hostile batch of songs with plenty of “Easter eggs” for aging punks. Is it too early to start talking about album-of-the-year? Check it out. Hearing is believing.
For vinyl fiends: A lot of attention went into the details of this LP. The cover has gold foil accents and everything is full color. Even the inside of the jacket is glossy black! The printed inner sleeve is extra heavy stock with rounded corners. First pressing is 100 on Ugly white (already sold out) and 800 on Wild orange. There are also 100 Damned splatter (orange/white) available to LCB fan club members.
Part-time punk writer, suburban dad and angry old man. Follow my adventures on the Punk Till I Die podcast!